TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 21855, 4 November 1932, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Motoring Insurance. The known bad driver with a long record of accidents can obtain the same rates of insurance as the known good driver with a clean sheet, the only difference being the paltry concession of the “no claim bonus,” writes a correspondent in the Times. In all other forms of insurance the rate payable for cover is proportionate to the risk involved, but in motor insurance the risk is judged only by the horse-power of the engine, although all experienced drivers will agree that the extra power of a big engine gives them an increased margin of safety. It should not be beyond the wit of the actuarial staffs of the insurance companies to devise a means whereby the individual premiums for motor insurance, starting from a figure which allows for the owner’s inexperience, are progressively increased or decreased year by year—probably to some definite maximum or minimum—according to the claims made by or upon the owner. This would mean that the careful driver would not suffer from the carelessness of others, while the careless would be penalized, until, if unable to afford the high premiums to which he had made himself liable, he would be kept off the road, to the great benefit of all concerned. Healthier Youth. Discussing the incidence of common ailments in a recent address, Dr S. Henning Belfrage spoke of the need of health education. It was an encouraging sign, however, that young people of to-day were awakening to livelier health-consciousness, he said. They were breaking away from the old beaten track and assuming a justified responsibility for the management of their own lives. Their diet, exercises, games, open-air life held out hope for the men and women of the future. Large numbers of people not deprived of air and sun deliberately refused to make use of their health-giving properties by excluding them carefully both from their lungs and their skin. “Women are, of course, more sensible in this matter than men, and the change in the sensibleness of their dress in the last 10 years is already reflected in their greater freedom from catarrhal affections. A similar reform in men’s dress is badly needed, and might well be carried out in a reasonable manner in the case of boys’ schools, official uniforms, evening dress, and the abolition of the absurd idea that a man is unfitted to appear at his job without wearing a stiff, constricting collar and tie and a chest-compressing waistcoat unless he is a manual labourer. The average individual of the latter class too often fails to avail himself of his opportunity in this respect and is unusually grossly overclothed.”

Adult Education. Addressing the Library Association at Bournemouth on the libraries in relation to adult and school education, Sir Henry Miers, the new president, said that most readers, looking back over their childhood, could fix a definite period when they first experienced the profound influence that could be exercised by books. Some might have actually imbibed a distaste for books in early childhood because they were part of the school machinery, but those who acquired an early passion for reading did so because it was the gratification of a new vital energy, almost of an instinct. The ordinary routine of school work rarely excited this passion, though it doubtless supplied the fuel for it. The kindling flame was the entry into the adventure of self-education. This may be brought about by the access for the first time to a good library. When school training came to an end, he suggested, there should be a complete break in educational attitude and method. After school days should come the practice of responsibility in intellectual affairs. This happened in other ways to those who could not continue their systematic education at college or elsewhere, and it was time they should clear their minds as to what they meant by the expression “Adult Education” in relation to libraries. It did not mean teaching grown people, but rather the provision of opportunity, encouragement, and guidance in self-education. True adult education , was not preparation, it was practice.

The Dominion Meteorologist last night issued the following information: Since Wednesday night a new anticyclone developed with its centre over the northern Tasman Sea and northern New Zealand. Another rather intense westerly depression however is now crossing south-east Australia. Winds moderate westerly, veering to freshening north-westerlies again shortly. Seas in New Zealand waters rather rough in Taranaki Bight and about Foveaux Strait. Elsewhere smooth to moderate. In the eastern Tasman Sea increasing north-west winds with moderate, but rising seas. Weather fair to fine generally, but some isolated showers in western districts where later conditions are likely to become unsettled again. Cool to.-night, but temperatures becoming warm again to-morrow. The quarterly accounts, a summary of which was given by the Prime Minister in his speech in the House of Representatives on Tuesday evening, were Gazetted last night.—Press Association message. The monthly meeting of the South “Y” Branch of the C.T.U. was held on Monday. October 31. Mr Kerr presided over a good attendance of members. The aims and objects of the “Y’s” were explained by Mrs Pasley for the benefit of the new members. Mrs Pasley, district superintendent, was re-elected to that office for the ensuing year. The district convention to be held on November 23 was discussed, Misses W. Pentecost and I. Beal being elected as delegates. A very inspiring address was given by Sister Janet on “The Call to Youth.” A vote- of thanks was passed to the speaker. Instead of games, an advertisement competition was held, Mr J. Thornley being the winner. The launching of the pontoons of the Freshford Gold Dredging Company took place on Wednesday in the presence of a large crowd, including all the directors and many shareholders. The pontoons are exceptionally heavy, being 86ft long, 28ft wide and 7ft deep, arid are the largest that have been used for dredging purposes in the Waikaia district. With the large buckets and heavy machinery which it is intended to erect the dredge will be capable of shifting much more material than any dredge previously used in the district. Pupils of the Wendonside School under the charge of their teachers were present with the object of gaining information as to how this class of work is undertaken. It is expected that the dredge will be ready for work in two or three months. Discriminating music lovers will be pleased at the programme to be presented at the song and pianoforte recital to be given in the Victoria Hall on Saturday, November 5, by Miss Eunice Meredith and Mr Hellmuth Hoffmann. The association together of these two artists is indeed a fortunate one. Miss Eunice Meredith, who will be better known here as Miss Daphne Eunice Tattersfield, was born and educated in Dunedin, but has resided for the last nine years in London. While there she has become famous as the New Zealand soprano, and has fulfilled engagements at many, important musical functions, both in London ana throughout England. Miss Meredith has selected items from a wide variety of composers, including Schubert, Brahms, Gunter, Strauss, Elgar, Chamberlain and Hamilton Harty. Piano students in particular are urged to hear Mr Hoffmann. He is a pianist of exceptional ability, and is sure to thrill all those who hear him. Amongst his items for Saturday evening are: The Wanderer,” Schubert-Liszt, "The Appassionata Sonata,” Beethoven.

Yes! Thousands of Ladies’ Vests to select from. Our Value, Size and Low Prices are hard to beat. Come in, no one asked to buy at Wicks Hose and Vest Shop, Ltd., Dee street. (Advt.) Quality and quantity. We give you a superior variety of sweets at 9d per lb at Ayson’s two shops, Dee street — Advt. For an Infant’s Outfit of quality you cannot do better than try Miss Noble s, The Baby Shop, Dee street. We have them from 23/6. (Advt.) Let us suggest “Westcraft” New Zealand Novelties as Christmas Presents for friends overseas. . Among these novelties are leather tie racks, book ends, hosiery tidies, tobacco pouches, shopping lists, telephone directory covers, and a host of other useful articles. All are decorated with poker work scenes of Maori Life and architecture. See them, at a price to suit you, at Thomson and Beattie, Ltd. (Advt.) “Haere Mai” (Greetings)—the delightful cover design of the Free Lance Christmas Annual indicates the excellence of the contents. The free plate and 1933 Calendar is worth the 2/cost of the Annual alone. On Page 39 there is a striking view of Ben Lomond with thei Earnslaw at the wharf. The aerial photograph of Mt. Cook on page 31 is impressive. The Otago Witness Annual features pictures of Wanaka and the Te AnauEglinton district, etc. Secure a Christmas number now at Hyndman’s, Dee Street, Invercargill.—Advt. You like to be remembered at Christmas time. So do your friends in the Homeland. There is no more appropriate memento than an illustrated Christmas Annual. Send one or more of the following to-day:—The Auckland Weekly News, Otago Witness, Star Pictorial (incorporating Brett’s) N.Z. Illustrated, N.Z. Free Lance or Tui’s. Price 2/- each. The direct Christmas Mail closes on Tuesday next at 6.30 a.m. N.Z. Book Depot, Ltd., Esk street, Invercargill. (Advt.) Outstanding bargains at Carter’s Big Purchase Sale. 7/6 Grey Work Shirts now 3/11; Black Cashmere Hose half price 1/9; Men’s Pure Wool Sports Coats 39/-, reduced to 22/6; Boys’ Lumber Jackets 15/- reduced to 10/6 and 11/6. See Carter’s advertisement. —Advt. Pure Silk Hosiery at less than Cost Price. The well-known Lady Jane Pure Silk Hose, finest quality, were 9/11; our Price 6/6 a pair, also Tre-zur Pure Silk were 12/6 pair; our Price 6/6 pair. We have all the latest sl ides in both these High Grade Hose and the quantity being only twelve dozen we advise you to be early. THE MUTUAL FUR COY., Manufacturing Furriers, Tay Street.—Advt. SNAP HAPPINESS WHILE YOU CAN. Nothing occurs again exactly the same. Possibly that is why we cherish happy but somewhat vague memories. Snap the children, snap friends, places, and situations as they appear this Holiday, and keep a permanent record of past happiness. Then bring your rolls of films to BROWN, The Chemist. The Best Pictures come from BROWN’S. There is no service quite so good as BROWN’S Permanent Process for bringing out the best results.—GEO. H. BROWN, Chemist-Optician, Brown’s Pharmacy, 125 Dee Street.—Advt. BUSY DAYS AHEAD. For some—exams. For others—athletics. Some have pressing business problems. All must have perfect health to tackle the job in front of them. Lingering coughs and colds sap the strength and impair efficiency. Clear them right out with Baxter’s Lung Preserver. The sooner you start with “Baxter’s,” the sooner you’ll feel fit and well again. You’ll appreciate “Baxter’s” tonic properties too. Get “Baxter’s” from any chemist or store. 1/6, 2/6 and 4/6 bottles.