TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 21770, 27 July 1932, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Economy In Retrospect. “May I quote a saying,” said Mr. Maitland, M.P., in the House of Commons, “of Sir William Harcourt in 1895: ‘lt is idle to preach homilies on the subject of expenditure. No one will listen to them. There is a universal demand for more and more expenditure every year for every conceivable object, all of them excellent objects, but all of them pursued without any regard to their cost. Economy has become a lost art at the close of the century. Now we have made up our minds to spend this unexampled sum. The unexampled sum was £95,981,000, and now we are spending eight times the sum,” Saving and Spending. Should people economize and restrict their expenditure to the narrowest limits, Or ought they to spend freely what remains of their income when the tax-gatherer’s demands have been satisfied, The question has been keenly discussed recently in the correspondence columns of The Times, which closed the controversy by delivering its own judgment. “In a period of catastrophic depression like the present, when prices are falling because buyers

arc few, voluntary restriction of expenditure on the part of those sections of the public who are subsisting neither on public nor on private charity can hardly fail to prove a very damaging form of homeopathy,” it declared. “For if men will not buy, how can the merchant hope to sell? And if the merchant cannot sell, how can the manufacturer continue to give employment? Where then does the clue to the puzzle lie? Surely in the distinction between different kinds of expenditure. Private extravagance, even though it affords a certain amount of employment, is always socially vicious, in the fat years no less than in the lean. But wise spending is always good and should never be discouraged—provided that it is expenditure from income and not from capital—least of all during a trade depression, because an increase in consumption should be the proper antidote to a fall in prices. . . . This then is the conclusion of the whole matter. Live within your income and pay your taxes; then spend what you have left in a normal manner, but spend it in such a way as to afford the maximum of healthy employment.”

A Ten-Year Plan. In the debate in the House of Commons on the Ottawa Conference, Mr L. S. Amery said that their representatives at Ottawa should endeavour to secure in the fiscal domain such an extension of Empire preference as would definitely encourage the main volume of Empire trade to flow into Empire channels and to concentrate creative power for their several markets on mutual and common development. Whether that was to be done by raising dominion duties against foreign trade or lowering them to British trade was an entirely secondary and relatively unimportant question. Their immediate interest lay much more in securing the maximum amount of preference against foreign competitors, who in a normal year would be selling something like £300,000,000 worth of manufactures to the rest of the Empire, than in over-persuading the dominions against their own conception of their own interests, to reduce their duties. It was important also that any arrangement arrived at should be for a substantial period, so as to enable capital and enterprise to concentrate with confidence on their task and to go ahead on a 10-year plan for reconstruction. Why should we leave all the big ideas to Russia? Whatever preferences were agreed on should not be susceptible to being whittled away by either side in negotiations with foreign countries. To permit that would be to wreck the whole spirit of the conference. At Ottawa they should so frame their different agreements as to leave each party the absolute unfettered freedom to extend the privileges of those agreements to any other part of the Empire, but with no obligation to do so; freedom to extend preferences to all the other members of the Empire who were substantially co-operating in a common Empire policy, but to withhold those advantages from those who were not fully playing the game. (Cheers).

Last evening the Government Meteorologist issued the following forecast: A depression has been advancing over the Tasman Sea on to the North Island and intensified, while a slight anticyclone has remained centred over Otago; moderate to strong easterly to southerly gale rough at places in and north of Cook Strait; seas (New Zealand waters) rough on East Coast and north of Farewell Spit; moderate south of Farewell Spit; Tasman Sea strong and squally south-east to south winds and rough to heavy seas; weather cold and squally with fairly general rain and some heavy falls in northern-east-ern districts of the North Island; snow probable in many places; mainly fair, however, in Westland.

At the annual meeting of the Invercragill Orchestral Society on Monday night Mr J. S. Haywood was appointed hon. secretary and treasurer.

The attention of dancing enthusiasts is drawn to the advertisement in this issue referring to dance in Smith’s Hall to-night. The music -will be supplied by the Ambassadors’ Dance Band.

In his report to the City Council for the month of June the city inspector commented that the incidence of infectious diseases had remained below past averages. Only three cases of scarlet fever were notified during the month.

A Press Association message from Wellington states that the Wellington United Boilermakers’ Iron and Steel Ship and Bridge Builders’ Union tonight arrived at a resolution to refer its dispute with the employers to the Conciliation Council.

The building of the outlet tunnel for the new blue baths at Rotorua has resulted in the sulphur beds under the garden plots at the back of the baths affecting the growth of plants and shrubs. To serve as an outlet for the fumes, vents have been sunk into the plots, and it is now expected that no further difficulty will be experienced.

Further donations received at the Relief Depot are as follows:—Anonymous, three bags of potatoes; Anonymous, bag of carrots; “Wellwisher,” parcel of clothing; Mr Robert Stout, pair of shoes; Mrs Shaw, Morton Mains, three parcels of clothing and boots; Messrs Fleming, Ltd., 2001 b of oatmeal; Anonymous, parcel of clothing; Anonymous, butter and jam.

An interesting demonstration and lecture on the “fireless cooker” was given to members of the Winton branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union by Miss Johnstone, of the Home Science Department of the Otago University. Miss Johnstone described the construction and uses of the cooker, which was worked on the same lines as the thermos flask or Maori oven. At the conclusion of the demonstration, the president, Mrs T. S. Smith, extended a hearty vote of thanks to Miss Johnstone and expressed her regret at the poor attendance, but explained that the day was an inconvenient one for country members.—Correspondent.

Mr G. H. Bolt, who went to America to buy the Wellington Aero Club’s Waco ’plane, in which he flew the Mayoress of Wellington to Christchurch, is one man whose early faith in flying has been justified. In 1911 he was one of the young men who flew peculiar-looking model aeroplanes in Hagley Park. A year later he was one of the first to make gliding flights at Hoon Hay. People who did that sort of thing in those days were looked on as crazy, but Mr Bolt went on being crazy, a policy which has brought him a trip to England to choose a flyingboat, and another to America to choose a passenger ’plane for the Wellington Aero Club, for which he is now passenger pilot and engineer.

In June the booking fees from the Civic Theatre came to £lB 9/-, which was 11/- less than for June, 1931. The respective figures for Victoria Hall were £3 10/- and £4 10/-.

A Press Association message from Dunedin states that at the Supreme Court, James Ure Wallace was acquitted of a charge of negligently driving a motor car, thereby causing the death of a boy named Whitson.

The superintendent of reserves reported to the City Council last evening that up to June 28 259 loads of free firewood had been delivered at a total cost of £l4 7/6. Some 120 loads were ready at Seaward Bush and would be brought in as soon as portion of the Endowment road was fascined.

Regular contributions to the Mayor’s Relief Fund amounting to £5 16/9 are acknowledged from the staffs of the Bank of New Zealand and Messrs J. E. Watson and Co., Ltd., M. N. Hyndman and Co., New Zealand Book Depot, J. M. McNaughton, S. Blomfield and T. B. Dorman. In addition, the Southland Technical College students have donated £5 18/-, a share of the proceeds from their pantomime “Jolly King Melon,” while the Relief Workers’ Association acknowledges contributions of £1 and £4 (to be earmarked for bread and petrol respectively) and 14/9 from the Butchers’ By-Pro-ducts Co. (sale of an ox hide).

The tinned meat to be supplied by the Auckland firm which has secured the Admiralty contract for this year is not due to arrive in London until November (says an exchange). It is required to be canned in lib, 21b, 41b, and 61b tins, and after arriving in London it will be distributed to the other Empire naval bases throughout the world. The manager of the contracting firm states that probably one of the main factors in enabling his firm to get the contract was the preference of 10 per cent. Britain was allowing the dominions on canned meat. As the contract is for approximately 250,000 tins, containing 1,000,0001 b weight of meat, it is of considerable importance to the meat industry in Auckland. The contract is particularly welcome, for' the late outlets for beef of all descriptions have been difficult to secure.

Last Friday evening the Meccano Club held a highly successful exhibition in the Boys’ Club rooms, Esk street. The number of models entered far exceeded the number expected, consequently it was not possible for them to be shown to the best advantage. All the working models were driven from a long shafting down the centre of the table, two electric motors providing the power. Among the interesting display of working models were: A six-wheel truck, gearbox and brakes complete, a working model of the filming of a jazz band which created much amusement, a model workshop, a meccanograph with which innumerable designs could be made, a crane, a gramophone (entirely meccano), a wire-covering machine, and flying boats. Besides these were models of bridges, windmills, etc. An aeroplane, a steam boat and a mechanical egg-beater were also exhibited. An extensive train lay-out proved interesting to many, and altogether the hall presented a busy scene, resembling a miniature factory. BUY AT SERVICE SHOE STORE. Service Shoe Store will sell every day this week, without reserve, the whole of their fashionable shoes. During this Closing Down Sale every line will be displayed on tables in the store and in the windows. Every line priced in plain figures and reduced to clear. Next door to Single Profit Stores, Tay Street—Advt. That delicate softness, the result of age and quality, is the reason of the popularity of DEWAR’S WHISKY. —Advt. Ladies’ carpenter style Aprons, made from Horrockses’ Fast Colour Clothes. Only 1/3 each. For value shop at Wicks’ Hose and Vest Shop, Ltd., Dee Street. —Advt. Children’s winter frocks. We have made a sweeping reduction on every one. The price will suit you at Miss Noble's, The Baby Shop, Dee Street.— Advt. See Ayson’s new patent glass toffee cases in windows of both shops. Delicious toffees now kept dry. Try our health malt toffee.—Advt. Biggest Bargains since 1914. Carters were fortunate in securing manufacturer’s surplus stock at 33 1-3 per cent, discount. Men’s Lumbers 25/-, now half-price 12/6. All Wool Crimean Shirts 14/G, reduced to 8/6. See Carter’s Advertisement front page.—Advt. And Now In Search of Wales N. V. Morton Another beautiful book price 10/, 10/6 posted from the N.Z. BOOK DEPOT, LTD., Esk Street, Invercargill.—Advt. Blanket values are practically back to pre-war. Standards at Thomson and Beattie Ltd. All wool, white, Colonial blankets, usually 24/6, single bed, and 32/6, double bed, are offered during our sale at 16/11 pair, Single, and 22/6 pair Double. You can save pounds by shopping at Thomson and Beattie’s now!—Advt. Persian Foxes and Throwovers are the fashion again for spring wear, and we have some fine quality goods which are being sacrificed during our Once-a-Year Sale. Novz is the time to buy your requirements. Genuine Foxes from 15/- to £7 10/-; Throwovers and Ties from 25/- to £6 15/-, and all new goods of the finest quality.—THE MUTUAL FUR COY., Tay Street — Advt. “GOING-GOING—GOING” “Gone —4/6—it’s yours Mrs White, and good buying I assure you.” But Mrs White didn’t want a birdcage. She just raised her hand as she was going to cough and the auctioneer thought she was bidding. Good manners but bad luck. Going home she called at her chemist for a large bottle of Baxter’s Lung Preserver. “4/6, Mrs White,” said the chemist, “and good buying I assure you.” “Baxter’s” is worth many times its modest price. 1/6, 2/6 and 4/6. —Advt. FOR INFLUENZA COLDS take FLUENE. Relieves feverish conditions, headaches and muscular pains with two or three doses. An unfailing remedy for Influenza, cold in the head and catarrhal affections of the nose and throat. Keep a bottle handy. Price 3/-. Obtainable from STEWART’S PHARMACY, Dee Street.—Advt.

KEEP YOUR EYES in working order. Our lenses are true and will give comfort. They help to preserve the sight. We make NO CHARGE for testing your eyes. Sensible people come here to have their eyes examined. If you want glasses, let us fit them for you. We give you the best expert attention. Glasses that do not fit are very injurious to the eyes. All risk of errors in fitting is avoided if you consult us. We are qualified to treat the most difficult cases where glasses will be of use. GEO. H. BROWN, Chemist-Opti-cian, Brown’s Pharmacy, 125 Dee street. (Over twenty-one years practical service.) —Advt.

Plans for the erection with local timber, local labour, and local hardwear of the cottages and cowsheds on Taranaki farms for the absorption of unemployed married men were outlined by Mr J. M. Smith, officer of the Agricultural Department, to the North Taranaki Advisory Council at New Plymouth. It whs hoped that the de—partment’s new departure would stimulate local industry and speed up the erection of the cottages so that the scheme could be in operation before the milking season began.

Official recognition of the decision of the Seddon Memorial Technical College authorities to give tuition in radio engineering at the college has been refused by the Minister of Education, the Hon. R. Masters. Speaking at a meeting of the board of managers of the college, the principal, Mr G. J. Park, stated that one class in radio engineering had already been started, and he considered that it was well worth continuing. In view of the failure to obtain departmental sanction, however, it would be necessary for the board to pay the teacher’s salary itself if the class were continued. The matter was referred to the principal for a report.

The president of the Wanganui Aero Club, Mr A. S. Burgess, has received a letter from Sir Charles. Kingsford Smith’s brother stating it is almost certain that the airman will visit New' Zealand, although no official, arrangements have yet been made. Sir Charles hopes to reach New Zealand early in September and has practically decided to make New Plymouth his first landing place. He proposes to make a day trip, leaving Sydney before dawn and landing at New Plymouth before dusk. Should it be definitely decided to make the trip, Sir Charles will visit Auckland next month to make the necessary preparations.

As she was walking up Durham street east, Auckland, shortly after 11.30 a.m. the other day a woman, who was accompanied by a little girl aged three years, had a narrow escape from being struck by a pane of falling glass. When the fanlight window on the second floor of Whitcombe and Tombs’s building was shut suddenly the greater portion of the pane fell out. Fortunately, the woman heard the crack of breaking glass and jumped aside with the little girl, the glass crashing on the pavement alongside them. Neither was hurt, although the woman felt the effects of shock fol some minutes, resting in an office before continuing on her way.

Though business generally is at its quietest in the postal section at this time of the year, there are ample indications of the recovery of custom by the Post and Telegraph Department as a result of the reversion to the old postal rates. The “halfpenny business” in connection with the delivery of accounts in particular seems to have flowed back to the postal section as a result of the return of the old rates (says the Poverty Bay Herald), and the' parcel rate revision has proved most popular. It is difficult to say how far the financial returns of the department will be affected, so far as the Gisborne office is concerned, but the recovery of custom is a distinctly cheering feature of the situation.

The recent feat of Verity, the Yorkshire bowler, in taking 10 wickets for 10 runs, brought to light the fact that Mr A. E. Wood, New Plymouth, possesses a ball which in two matches has taken 10 wickets for no runs. Playing for the Gloucester Cricket Club in 1908, Mr Wood took four wickets with four consecutive balls. The ball was immediately' withdrawn from play and was presented to Mr Wood with an engraved silver shield mounted on it. After Mr Wood came to New Zealand he took off the shield. In 1915 Mr Wood was playing for the Kia Kaha Cricket Club, Gisborne, and there was difficulty over the provision of balls. Mr Wood used his presentation ball and took six wickets for no runs.

During the past few years of depression the universal efforts towards economy have been reflected in the character of the refuse collected in Christchurch city (says an exchange). Householders no longer use coal to bank up a fire that is not required for a few hours; they have found that vegetable peelings, bones, and other waste serve the purpose admirably. Here, again, the destructor is deprived of what used to be a valuable item in its combustible diet. Careful housekeepers, too, have realized that they have long neglected a valuable byproduct of their domestic fires —the coke and cinders from the ashes. When separated by means of a sieve or rake, the former proves to be useful and usable fuel.

As an indication of the present conditions for farmers who wish to dispose of cattle to the slaughter houses, a farmer in the Mount Albert district recently had three good old cows for which he had paid £49. When he wanted to sell the animals he could get a no better offer than 29/- for the lot (says the Auckland Star). Since he did not want to pay for the cost of feeding them throughout the winter, he sold them at that price. The other day a farmer on the Hauraki Plains sold a cow for 1/6, although in normal times it would have been worth about £3 or £4. Mr J. Haslam, president of the Auckland Milk Vendors’ Association, said it was quite usual novz for farmers to receive less than 10/- per head for cows that in good times would bring anywhere between £3 and £5.