GOVERNMENT OFFICES

Southland Times, Issue 21834, 11 October 1932, Page 6

GOVERNMENT OFFICES

It is conceded that some of the economies proposed by the National Expenditure Commission were to be obtained by shifting the cost on to local bodies or on to the taxpayers. The Government has declined to adopt some of these proposals, and if it takes the view that no real saving is achieved in that way, it should not overlook this point when it considers the concentration of control in the four principal centres. A correspondent has refer-* red to the mistake of making Southland a district under the control of a Public Works Office in Dunedin. He has drawn attention to the fact that much expense and delay is involved in travelling to Dunedin in connection with

business which has to be done first-hand, and this expense has to be borne by people living in Southland. One of the evils of centralisation, unless it is very carefully planned, is that it tends to prejudice the outlying places, with a consequential concentration of the population in the favoured areas. Population is not the soundest guide in the placing of governmental offices. It is necessary to take into consideration the duties of the officials and the incidence of the interests to which they must give attention. The saving of a few pounds in the departmental accounts may be achieved at a considerable cost to the people in the area penalized in the interests of administrative economy, and no Government services, where they are not given by trading departments, exist for the people, and sound administration demands that they should be applied in a way that will give a maximum amount of service, as conveniently as possible to those who must make use of them.

The Dominion Meteorologist last night issued the following information: The last of the recent series of depressions is crossing New Zealand to-day and a moderate anti-cyclone has reached south-eastern Australia. Winds moderate to strong northerlies at first but a change to south-westerlies advancing from the south during the night. Seas in New Zealand waters rather rough to rough generally. In. the eastern Tasman Sea strong southwesterly winds and rough seas. Weather generally dull and unsettled. Almost general rain probable with many heavy falls in districts with a westerly aspect but lighter and more scattered in eastern districts. Temperatures becoming cooler.

Palmerston North is believed to have been the hottest place in New Zealand on Sunday, the maximum temperature reached being 75 in the shade. In the evening a soaking shower, which was very welcome by the settlers, fell, the 70 points registered, being the highest fall on any one day since August 26. Yesterday was bright and the weather glorious, says a Press Association telegram.

The Rev. V. Le C. Binet, who for eighteen years has been doing missionary work in the Western Solomons, is at present visiting Invercargill in the interests of the work of the Methodist Church in those islands. On Sunday Mr Binet preached to large and appreciative congregations at the Central and St. Peter’s Methodist Churches. He will give a lantern talk on life in the Solomons in the Jed Street Hall tonight and at St. Peter’s to-morrow evening.

About 20 people participated in the Gore Tramping Club’s week-end trip to Mokoreta and Redan leaving Gore by bus about 9 a.m. and returning about 9 p.m. Most of the day was spent in the bush in the Mokoreta Valley, which has exceptionally pretty scenery, while a party of seven climbed Bleak Mount at the head of the valley and from there gained a wonderful view for miles around, the sea coast to Bluff and Stewart Island coming in the panorama.

Held on Saturday, a largely attended meeting of the Gore Unemployed Workers’ Association, over whom Mr Blaikie presided, discussed suggestions to work a 10-hour day to avoid transport being used in stand-down week and to avoid fractions of days allowed under the new regulations. A general discussion culminated in the following resolution being carried: “That this large meeting of relief workers iS opposed to extending the daily time to 10 hours, and prefers to work the fractions of days which may be given them by doing the necessary time in stand-down week or spreading the total time evenly over the four weeks.” It was also resolved to protest against the new regulations which require longer time to be worked for the same rates of pay.

The monthly meeting of the Makarewa branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held on October 8. The president, Mrs McDowell, presided over a good attendance, 24 members being present. Seven new members joined, making a total of 37 members for the branch. Ways and means of raising funds was discussed, and it was agreed to give voluntary donations. A small exchange was opened and the funds benefited to the extent of 11/9. Mrs Ward, of Woodend, gave a very interesting demonstration in rug-making which was greatly appreciated. Mrs Gray proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs Ward. At the next meeting Mrs McDowell will give a demonstration on the curing and dying of sheepskins. Afternoon tea was handed round.

The Rev. Dr J. H. Rushbrooke, general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance, has found himself barred from Russia on account of his church connection. The Soviet Government, he stated in Christchurch, keeps out any persons travelling on behalf of religious bodies. The Baptist Movement in Russia began 65 years ago, and the number of Baptists in the country is considerable. They were persistently persecuted under the Czar, and of course they are experiencing a bad time at the present. The real position in Russia, he adds, is not understood, and, in speaking about the country, one has to go on what has actually been seen and on what information is received through various channels. Dr Rushbrooke has visited Russia on six or seven different occasions.

At the closing meeting of the North Invercargill Band of Hope for the year there was a very good attendance of both children and adults. The meeting took the form of a concert and an enjoyable programme, comprising items from Band of Hope members, was presented. The president, Mrs Martin, was in the chair. Mrs Laytham addressed the children and asked for a vote of thanks to all the speakers who had helped to make the work a success, also the Press and Miss Grey, the organist. The children responded heartily. The following children gave items: Shirley King, Hazel Brumby, Dorothy Stewart, Joan Nunn, Colin Martin, Brenda Cran, Frank Cran, Ray Grenfell, Arnold Atley, Roberta Marshall, Winnie Millar, Lindsay King, Nellie Laytham, and Lena Nichol. Prizes were distributed by Mr Galloway for items, attendance, and good conduct during the year. Miss Evans proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs Martin and Mrs Laytham for their work among the children.

Rabbit shooting at night time from motor cars Is a popular pastime in the Lower Waikato (says an exchange). Last week one man bagged 99 in a little over an hour, but could not reach his century, although he battled on for another half-hour. On one occasion last spring he shot as many as 257 in a night.

When an opossum climbed to an 11,000-volt power line on Sunday night electricity was cut off in part of the Wanganui East area. The animal was electrocuted immediately and a fuse blew out, automatically cutting off power, It is not unusual for power board officials to have trouble with opossums on power lines,

A thick fog that blanketed the landscape, hiding the hills and obscuring all the landmarks compelled K. G. Smith, a Wellington Aero Club pilot, who gained his license only two months ago, to make a landing on the Porirua beach on Sunday afternoon, states a Press Association message. Smith was returning from the Hastings Air Pageant and he ran into a heavy fog when nearing Wellington and thought it safer to land on the beach. Later another attempt was made to reach Rongotai Aerodrome, but as the fog was still troublesome a landing was made on the Titahi Bay Golf Links fairway where the plane remained over night, PAPER SHORTAGE, In an article in the “Empire Forestry Journal,” Mr J. O. Boving, a recognized authority, stated:— "If we may assume that in five to ten years’ time the commercial conditions of the world will once more be nearly normal, it will then be found that the demand for paper has outstripped the supply, and prices will soar to such heights that we shall be face to face with a real paper famine.” It is just at that time that N.Z. Perpetual Forests Ltd.’s commercial afforestation project will have reached maturity, and bondholders should be receiving the profits from the realization of their first crop.—Advt. Many farmers have proved that it is little use attempting to grow crops without the use of fertilizers, but it will be readily seen that it is necessary to restore those properties which are taken from the soil by continual cropping and grazing of stock. By using "Crossed Keys” Fertilizers which contain the correct ingredients to supply the essential plant foods, the farmer is also assured of getting full value for his money. The Southland Frozen Meat Co. have large stocks of Blood and Bone, and mixed fertilizers, and will be pleased to answer enquiries, They also stock boneflour for Stock Licks, Liver Meal for calves and Meat Meal for poultry.—Advt.

Hitchon’s Bacon is so nice, Buy a pound and try a slice, When you’ve cooked it to a turn Its reputation you’ll not spurn. —Advt.

Direct from the mill to you—Wicks’ Popular Wearer Art Silk Hose in all the new shades, 2/6 pair. WICKS’ HOSE AND VEST SHOP LTD., DEE STREET.—Advt.

Good quality toffees and candies and a great variety of all confectionery at Ayson’s two shops, Dee street.—Advt.

Summer suits in knitted silk for the wee boys, sky, pink, jgreen, and fawn at bargain prices 10/6 each 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.

Increasing sales of the following magazines are reported by the N.Z. BOOK DEPOT LIMITED, Esk street. Everylady’s—October issue (lacy jumpers featured) 6d; Wireless Weekly 3d; (Australian programmes); Flight lOd weekly; Australian Home Journal 6d; New Idea 3d weekly (with free pattern); N.Z. Free Lance 9d weekly. Make the Book Depot your newsagents. ’Phone 327.—Advt.

To wear stylish garments with the distinction they deserve, you must wear a corset, a corset that fits you perfectly. “Berlei” is the corset you require. Careful observation and experiment proved that New Zealand women fall into five distinct figure types. Then were "Berlei” foundations designed to fit these types to perfection. Ring Thomson and Beattie’s ’phone No. 1613, and make an appointment with Miss Vera Norman, the ‘Berlei’ Corsetiere now in attendance there.—-Advt,

Now is the time to have your Furs Relined and Repaired ready for the good weather coming, or if contemplating a new one call in and inspect our stocks, which are the largest and of the best quality procurable in New Zealand at prices that will never be heard of again. The Mutual Fur Company, Tay street. (Advt.)

Joseph Lincoln in his new book “Head Tide” returns to good old Cape Cod with its plain-spoken fishermen, sea captains and villagers—the quaint and lovable characters that have endeared the Lincoln stories to so many readers. A well spun story (6/-): Harry Stephen Keeler’s two fine mystery yarns are now available at 4/6 each. “The Black Satchel” and “Green Jade Hand.” Keeler is skilful. Otwell Binns publishes “The Grey Rat” at 4/6 and Temple Bailey “Silver Slippers” at 3/6, New books every mail at Hyndman’s, Dee street, booksellers,— 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, SPRINGTIME CANNOT BE TRUSTED The promise of warm days in frequently fulfilled by a cold snap that brings colds and chills to the unwary. Keep “Baxter’s” by your side—a friend that will never let you down. ' For over seventy springtimes, Baxter's Lung Preserver has been the trusted friend of the New Zealand people. Pin your faith to “Baxter’s.” Three popular sizes 1/6, 2/6 and 4/6, On sale at every chemist and store in New Zealand.—Advt.