TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 21822, 27 September 1932, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Psychology of Teaching. Dr. Cyril Burt, psychologist to the London County Council, spoke on “Characteristics of Children” at the City of London Vacation Course in Education. He said he believed the first duty of the teacher was not to teach, but to study the mind of the pupil as that of a new and unique individual. The teacher’s next duty was to guide the mind, correct it, and give it help. Teachers would.do far better by standing by and observing the children than by rushing in and drilling them without studying their varying mentality at all. A great many teachers were still inquiring, Dr Burt said, if there was anything in phrenology. He was obliged to tell them that it was impossible for psychologists to accept the original theories put forward by phrenologists. He used to go to phrenologists once, changing his dress or appearance each time, by wearing a red tie or going unshaved, and found that the phrenologists were more influenced by how he looked than by the bumps on his head. The Irish Dispute. Commenting upon a statement by Lord Parmoor that the dispute between the Irish Free State and Great Britain is subject to the provisions of the Covenant of the League of Nations, the Times states: —“No one should know better than Lord Parmoor that the League of Nations has nothing whatever to do with disputes between States members of the British Empire, because he was a member of the British Government which in 1929 expressly excluded such disputes from those which they undertook to submit to the Court of International Justice. The precise words of the declaration made at the time by the British Government are as follows:—‘Disputes with other members of the British Commonwealth of Nations are excluded because the members of the Commonwealth, though international units individually in the fullest sense of the term, are united by their common allegiance to the Crown. Disputes between them should, therefore, be dealt with by some other mode of settlement.’ Provision was made for this ‘other mode of settlement’ at the Imperial Conference of 1930, when the constitution of a Commonwealth tribunal was defined at some length. No obligation to accept arbitration was imposed, but the suggested Commonwealth tribunal was to be appointed when both sides in a dispute had agreed to arbitration, and therefore the procedure contemplated is strictly applicable and is indeed alone applicable to the present dispute.” New Conception of War.

Speaking at the conference of the International Law Association, Professor J. L. Brierly referred to the “new conception” resulting from the League Covenant, the Kellogg Pact and the Convention for Financial Assistance signed by 28 States in 1930. He pointed out that the pre-war conception of war as an inevitable but unfortunately recurring event which was the private concern of the belligerents, and during which the rest of the world could best be employed in keeping the ring on the basis of strict impartiality, no longer represented the position. He emphasized the intent and purpose of Articles 11 and 16 of the Covenant, and said the one thing for the future which was certain was that if any war broke out between the two States it would be, and ought to be, the concern of the whole world. The draft convention on neutrality in land warfare was inconsistent with the post-war pacts which he had mentioned, and particularly with Article 1 of the Convention for Financial Assistance, which provided that if a State, in violation of its international obligations, went to war against a member of the League, the victim of the aggression would be entitled to receive financial assistance from League States. He referred to the pronouncement of Mr Stimson on the attitude of the United States, denouncing was as an illegal thing, and asked the association not to countenance proposed rules of war based on an outworn conception.

The following is last night’s official weather report and forecast: A fairly deep cyclonic depression is centred in the north Tasman Sea and a moderate anti-cyclone covers south-eastern Australia. The forecast is for moderate to strong winds from between east and north rising at times to gale force in the far north. Seas in New Zealand waters rather rough to rough on the east coast and in Cook Strait. Elsewhere moderate. In the eastern Tasman Sea, moderate to strong east to north winds and rather rough to rough seas. Weather cloudy to overcast generally with mist or fog in places and general rains from Nelson and Marlborough northwards with many heavy falls elsewhere. Scattered rain developing. Temperatures mild.

The Gore Tramping Club commenced its season during the week-end when some 20 members visited Stoney Creek and thence went across the Hokonuis to the head of the Waimumu Stream and from there to Whisky Creek. The return to Gore was made by bus. The weather was delightfully fine and the outing was a most pleasant one.

Early in the year the officials of St. Peter's Methodist Church decided to forego the usual sale of work and to divide the membership of the church into five groups to prepare for a thanksgiving day. This was held last Sunday evening when the church was well filled by an enthusiastic congregation. The Rev. O. S. Peam conducted the service and received and dedicated the thanks offerings. The amount dedicated was £142 10/- and the effort culminates with a thanksgiving social on Thursday evening. The large choir sang Stainer’s “Hosanna in the Highest” most impressively and Mrs Wilcocks sang “Penitence” (Beethoven). The thanksgiving service was an inspiration and a complete success.

A sea lion appeared in the Wellington Harbour recently, and it sported itself near the Taranaki street wharf for some time. It is thought to be the same sea lion which has frequented Evans Bay recently.

If the rumours are wrong, and spring has not arrived, there is one duck that is under a serious misapprehension (says the Christchurch Sun). She has hatched out a breed of t ducklings, and proudly leads them out on to the Avon every day in the Botanic Gardens.

White Island made a most impressive sight last week-end, huge clouds of steam rising to a great height and being carried by the wind for miles. Later in the afternoon the volume of steam diminished, and gradually became normal. Visibility was exceptionally clear, in strong contrast to that of several days previously.

An agricultural show is to be held at Fiji shortly, and the Auckland Manufacturers’ Association is arranging for a display of New Zealand manufactures in the space placed at the association’s disposal. This was reported to the Wellington Manufacturers’ Association, when the hope was expressed that the exhibits should be as representative as possible.

Further donations to the Relief Workers’ Association drive are acknowledged as follows: M. Beatty, Titiroa, bag of potatoes; Mrs M. Beatty, jun, parcel of clothing; T. Golden, Pine Bush, bag of potatoes; anonymous, carcass of mutton; Mr Carmichael, box of eggs; Mr Davidson, bag of potatoes; Mr W. Davidson, Mataura Island, parcel of clothing; Mr A. Simpson, bag of potatoes; Mr McDonald, eggs; Christie Bros., two bags of potatoes. These donations will be picked up on Friday by Mr Oliver.

A horticultural freak, known to experts as a fasciated linaria, was found in the garden of Miss A. Simcock, of Helensville (says the New Zealand Herald). The deformity is in the stem, which is of normal thickness, but is nearly two inches wide, instead of being a frail wand, as in ordinary linaria plants. The foliage and blossoms, both of which are identical with ordinary specimens, are growing out of the wide stem, and are unusually prolific. According to horticulturists, a fasciated linaria is rarely found, although the deformity is frequently seen in the case of certain Japanese lilies. Attention is directed to an advertisement by the Railway Department calling tenders for removal of buildings and other structures now in position at Glenham Railway station. (Advt.) TIMBER-GROWING POSSIBILITIES. Mr A. C. Forbes, Canadian delegate to the British Empire Forestry Conference in 1928, stated:— “New Zealand is the only country in the Southern Hemisphere with soil and climate really suited to grow softwoods. Afforestation in New Zealand affords wonderful opportunities, which business men should utilize.” The foregoing merely substantiates N.Z. Peroetual Forests Ltd’s, policy when in 1923 they founded what is today the world’s largest commercial afforestation scheme. Because of the comparatively quick growth of pines in New Zealand compared with other countries, and their suitablity for woodpulp, this project assures bondholders of a profitable return in a relatively short period.—Advt. If you want something to keep you right, Aid your digestion and appetite; Use Hitchon’s Bacon every day, And drive depression and gloom away. —Advt. Ladies’ Interlock Vests 1/11. House Stockings lid pair. Bond’s Famous Knit to Fit Hose 3/11 Pair. Lisle Hose with Clox 1/11 Pair. Wicks’ Hose and Vest Shop, Ltd., Dee street. (Advt.) YOU CAN SPEND PROFITABLY at the Service Shoe Store Closing Down Sale. Every article of Footwear Reduced in price. Children’s Dress Shoes, School Shoes, Sandals and Gym. Shoes Reduced. All Ladies’ Shoes at Bargain Prices. See Windows and Door Friday. Service Shoe Store, Tay Street. —Advt. See our window display of corsets and corselettes. Corsets 4/11 to 17/6. Corselettes 3/11 to 12/6. The values are right at Miss Nobles’, The Baby Shop, Dee street. —Advt. • Why pay high prices? Special purchase of dairymen’s bib overalls and coats, usual price 9/6. Special purchase price 6/9. Also big purchase of newest suits at huge discounts at Carter’s Mark Down Sale.—Advt. GET PERFECT PICTURES. by using SELO FILMS. the popular new ENGLISH films. We thoroughly recommend these. Stewart’s Pharmacy, corner Dee nd Don streets. —Advt. Raspberry Toffee, a new delicious flavour, only 8d per lb. at Ayson’s two shops, Dee street. —Advt. New Supplies of PATONS & BALDWIN’S HELPS TO KNITTERS 1 have now reached the N.Z. BOOK DEPOT LTD., ESK STREET. (’Phone 327). CALL AND SEE THEM. (Advt.) For Summer Sports, the “Perfecta C.T.8.” Shirt is unequalled. It can be worn open, as a canoe shirt, a slight adjustment and you have a tennis collar, or. button it to the neck and put on a tie, and a smart business shirt is the result. Long life •is another feature of this splendid Shirt, and the prices are only 8/11 and 9/6 at Thomson and Beattie’s Man’s Shop. (Advt.) There is a vast difference in the quality of furs used on throwovers and a few shillings difference in the price between the best and an inferior grade, is very false economy. Buy the best always and be satisfied; it pays, and good furs are always fashionable. We carry a big assortment of quality goods at the lowest prices in the trade. The Mutual Fur Coy., Tay 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. MOTHER’S RESPONSIBILITY. To keep the family healthy. That is the thankless duty of every mother. She is expected to have a remedy for every ache and pain, cough and cold. It is little wonder, therefore, that New Zealand mothers have such implicit faith in Baxter’s Lung Preserver. With this reliable remedy mother keeps down the toll of coughs and colds. “Baxter’s” never fails to give instant relief and quick recovery. Chemists and stores, 1/6, 2/6, 4/6. —Advt.

The steady progress made with the re-building of Napier was commented upon by members of the Wanganui Rugby team and their supporters who visited the Hawkes Bay capital recently (says the Chronicle). The beautification scheme being carried out on the Marine Parade was mentioned and the finished concrete work on most of the buildings was described as being both unusual and beautiful.

A sail of the old windmill in Symonds street, Auckland which was damaged in a squall recently, was removed by workmen as a preliminary to extensive repairs (says the New Zealand Herald). The main spar of the sail was broken a few feet from the shaft. Restoration will take some time, as the sails are of imported pitch pine, each being 35ft long and weighing about a ton.

“The earthquake was an alarming experience, for it was so prolonged,” writes a resident of Dannevirke (Southern Hawkes Bay) to a friend in Hamilton. “Our hotel swayed in all directions, and I was ready to rush downstairs if the quake became worse. Imagine me standing at my bedroom door thinking there was to be a repetition of what happened last year! I did not get to sleep again until 3.30.”

An instance of a bather being molested by a sea bird occurred at Mission Bay, Auckland, when a young man was attacked by a gannet. The bather was standing waist-deep in the water when a large gannet swopped down upon him. After frightening the bird away the bather set out for the shore. The gannet settled on the water, and only repeated splashings kept it at bay.

“It is time that local bodies abandoned the principle of using the No. 5a scheme for self-benefit,” remarked Mr J. Gibbs during a discussion at the Taranaki Hospital Board (reports the Daily News). Mr A. Corkill said that in the interests of the ratepayers the board had to study economy. Mr J. Brown declared that local bodies did not get the benefit of the No. 5a scheme for nothing, as the scheme had last year cost the New Plymouth Borough Council £4OOO.