TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 21730, 16 June 1932, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Sunday Entertainment. “To me, and to most members of this House, a quiet Sunday at home means comfortable surroundings, complete privacy, every aid to intellectual enjoyment, while a visit to the cinema may be only an unnecessary surrender to the restlessness of the age,” said Mr Oliver Stanley, at the close of his speech when introducing what is called the Sunday Cinema Bill. “But are there not many thousands of people to whom the Sunday at home docs not mean that, to whom it may mean a continuance of the terrible intimacy of overcrowded houses, of the round of household drudgery from which we are exempt, of the drab surroundings which they see every day of their lives, and to whom a visit to the cinema, however meretricious it may be, means at least privacy, warmth, colour, life; and if those people go to the cinema on Sunday evening. I, for one, will not admit that Christianity condemns their action until I am sure that Christianity approves their conditions.” Ireland’s Sweepstakes. It is well that sweepstakes organized in the sacred name of charity should be examined from time to time in the cold light of facts—or rather figures, remarks the Spectator. Sir Herbert Samuel provided some material for that when he mentioned in the House of Commons that five Irish sweekstakes had been arranged between November, 1930, and March, 1932. Out of the sum of nearly £13,000,000 subscribed by the public the Irish hospitals had received £2,800,000, or just over 20 per cent. Expenses and commissions had amounted to actually £500,000 more than that, namely, £3,300,000, and £7,700,000 had gone in prizes. It is obvious enough from these figures that the hospitals are being used largely as a cloak of respectability for a lottery which makes its appeal to the subscriber solely and simply as a gigantic game of chance. But when Sir Herbert Samuel mentions Ho less a sum than £3,300,000 as devoted to expenses and commissions there is clearly room for a few questions by some interrogative member as to who it is that actually benefits under this head of the accounts, and on what scale. Britain’s Woollen Trade. Disappointment is felt in the British wool trade at the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on import duties affecting wool textiles. The new tariff, writes a correspondent in the Morning Post, is regarded as quite ineffective in ensuring a continuation of the remarkable activity enjoyed during the past six months, largely as the result of the 50 per cent, ad valorem rates imposed by the Abnormal Importations Act. These, together with the effect of the departure from the gold standard, saved a palpably declining industry of the first national importance from reduction to a state not pleasant to contemplate, for while the export trade was being undermined by influences beyond control, simultaneously the home market was being increasingly invaded by foreign wool manufacturers and yams. Under the new regime the home market has been

conserved for our products in a phenomenal manner. The reduction of imports of fabrics during the first quarter of the year amounted to no less than 8,734,331 square yards, compared with the corresponding period of 1931, while imports of worsted yarns have fallen by 4,845,1861 b. Exports of tops have improved, consignments have nearly attained the pre-war dimensions in the first quarter, and there has also been a big increase in worsted yarns. This exclusion of foreign goods has had no detrimental effect upon internal retail prices, competition for the home trade, of course, being quite inimical to such a result. The effects have been entirely beneficial. Employment has increased enormously, mills have been working to capacity, machinery idle for years has been again in commission, and the installation of new plant has been encouraged. In the event of adequate protection being continued, the industry is assured of the prolongation of a state of activity not known for a decade, but if the new rates are not amended the outlook is deplorable, a fact even admitted by erstwhile free traders.

The Dominion Meteorologist last night issued the following information: A feeble anti-cyclone has been located to-day off the east coast between East Cape and Akaroa. The barometer is low both east and west of New Zealand and an intense and extensive westerly low pressure area covers eastern Australia. Winds moderate and variable at first, but later northerly to westerly prevailing and freshening. Seas in New Zealand waters smooth to moderate, but rising in the west coast and about Cook and Foveaux Straits. In the eastern Tasman Sea north to west winds, becoming strong with rough seas. Weather unsettled, cloudy and misty with rain in most districts and snow on the high country. Conditions likely to be disturbed for several days.

To-morrow is the third anniversary of the disastrous earthquake on the West Coast of the South Island.

So far this season the killings at the South Otago Freezing works total 284,717. Last week’s total was 18,076. Tat lambs are still coming forward ii» fair numbers and it will be some time before there is any considerable decrease in the amount of work. —Balclulha correspondent of the Evening Star.

The speed limit for motorists in Nova Scotia has been abolished by action of the Legislature of the province. However, it is provided that drivers travelling at a rate of more than 40 miles per hour must be prepared to establish the fact that in so doing they were proceeding at a speed reasonable and prudent.

Ten householders were present at the meeting of Isla Bank School, and Mr Teviotdale presided. The roll number for the school is 59 and the average attendance for the year was 56. The annual statement showed a credit balance of £3B 5/-. The following were elected a committee for the ensuing year: The Rev. G. P. Mitchel (chairman), Messrs D. Teviotdale (secretary), J. T. Hazlett, W. E. Lindsay and J. R. McLeish.

The following have been appointed judges for the champion ploughing match to be held at Branxholm on July 9: Ploughing—Messrs Colin Gray (Dipton), W. Clark (Woodlands), and W. A. Young (Invercargill); horsesand specials—Messrs James Hamilton (Oreti), W. Muirhead (Waimatuku) and D. Caldwell (Menzies Ferry). Other officials were appointed as follows: Steward for horse judges, Mr A. Ronald; field superintendents, Messrs W. R. Ronald and J. Young (Waianiwa); judge for best ins and outs in ploughing, Messrs J. Adams and L. J. Ronald.

In rather a novel manner the Whangarei Rugby Union is making an effort to provide, if not cure, restraining influence on those players who indulge in rough play. It has been decided that the names of players warned by the referees for rough play will be submitted to the Judicial Committee and that they be punished. This step has not been taken because play has been exceptionally rough this season, but in a recent match two players were warned for rough play, and it is thought that the threat of publicity will be a powerful deterrent to those who are inclined to lose their heads.

“I was told quite frankly and plainly that they had all the leaf they could use,” said Mr A. S. Burgess, reporting at a recent meeting of the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce on an interview he had had with the Wellington manager of a large tobacco company. Mr Burgess had taken with him to Wellington samples of tobacco leaf grown in the vicinity of Wanganui. A letter from the firm, read at the meeting said that the company had all the New Zealand-grown leaf that it could use. The Wanganui samples were not of a type or quality that could be used commercially. An opinion could not be given as to the suitability of climate or soil for growing leaf in the vicinity of Wanganui. The chamber set up a committee to interview Dr. Cockayne, Director of the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture.

A radio emergency club to bring wireless to the assistance of search parties operating on Mount Egmont has been formed under the auspices of the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters by amateur transmitters in New Plymouth. The object of the club is to provide two portable transmitting and receiving stations to be carried by a licensed operator with search parties and a permanent station in New Plymouth, all three of which will be able to keep in communication with each other. A splendid response to the suggestion was made by operators in New Plymouth, so that apart from the licensed operators the club will have available assistants who will be able to take the place of those licensed to work a station if they are unable to respond to a call for help. One portable set is almost completed already and it is not expeetpd that the other will take long. The service should be of inestimable help to search parties on the mountain, in the opinion of a climber, who has had frequent experience of the mountain. When consulted about the possible benefits he expressed the opinion that from his experience the help of wireless in such a way would have saved lives in the past. When there were two parties searching, one on the track and one off the track, it would be a great help if they could communicate with each other, especially when a doctor or extra assistance was required.

A parcel of magazines from an anonymous donor was a further contribution to the Invercargill Red Cross Society’s appeal on behalf of patients of the Waipiata Sanatorium.

The Invercargill Dental Clinic has been informed officially that the raising of the minimum school age to six years will not affect it. Children may still be enrolled at the clinic at the age of five years.

The report of the Ontario Royal Commission on Cancer finds the following in the order named, as the occupations in which cancer is most likely to occur: 1. Work in tar, pitch and bitumen briquettes; 2. work in mineral oil or paraffin or in any compound, product or residue of either of these products; 3, work in amenic; 4. work in X-ray or radium; 5. work in mines; 6. chimney sweeping; 7. work in aniline dye-works.

Mrs Camie, “Craiglie” Convalescent Home, Rosedale, has removed to more convenient premises in 177 Don Street. —Advt.

Little Jack Horner sat in a corner, Eating his Hitchon’s Ham, “It’s neither too lean, nor - too fat,” said he, “What a fortunate fellow I am.”—Advt.

See our values in Ladies’ Vests — Cotton priced from 1/11, 2/3, 2/11, 3/3 to 6/11; Wool Vests 3/9 and 6/3. At Miss Nobles, The Baby Shop, Dee street. (Advt.)

Ladies’ Art Silk Stockings in all new shades 2/6 Pair. These are first grade goods. Wicks’ Hose and Vest Shop, Dee Street.—Advt.

First class flavours and quality are the toffees and candies at Ayson’s two shops, Dee Street. Just try them.— Advt.

Half-price Barbains at Carter’s Alteration Sale. Good quality Irish Linen. Men’s Handkerchiefs 2/-, Now 1/-. Boys’ Wool Pants 7/6, Now 3/9. Boys’ Jerseys, size 1 and 2, 7/-, Reduced to 3/6. All Overcoats , and Suits reduced. See Carter’s Advertisement front page. (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.

The quality of our goods will be remembered long after price is forgotten, for the simple reason that we buy direct from the world's markets the best that money can buy, and offer same to the ladies of Southland with the guarantee that what we say it is, IT IS. We never misrepresent anything and our advice on all occasions is yours for the asking. The MUTUAL FUR COY., Tay street.—Advt.

The Stocktaking Bargains at Thomson! & Beattie, Ltd., are worthy of notice. Among the many low-priced values offered at the fancy counter are a line of Black Patent Leather Shopping Bags, bound in colours, offered at 1/6 and 2/11 each. Imitation leather music cases, usually 6/6, are also offered at 3/6. (Advt.)

“Nature,” said the philosopher, “always makes compensations. If one eye loses sight the other becomes stronger. If one loses the hearing of one ear the other becomes more acute.” “I believe you’re right,” said an Irishman. “I’ve always noticed that when a man has one leg short the other is longer.” The fitting of glasses requires both skill and judgment. Care should be exercised in consulting a trained optician.—GEO. H. BROWN, M.P.S., 1.0.N.Z., Chemist-Optician, Brown’s Pharmacy, 125 Dee Street (Over twenty-one years’ practical experience) .—Advt. THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST. The difficult period through which we are now slowly emerging has put the acid test on every line on the market. Wise expenditure on products of proven worth has been the order of the day. Consequently Baxter’s Lung Preserver has increased its lead as the best seller by a long, long way. The public certainly realize the fact that a bottle of “Baxter’s” is a good investment. Every chemist and store in New Zealand sells “Baxter’s” at 1/6, 2/6, and 4/6.—Advt.