TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 22070, 18 July 1933, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

British Balance. The likelihood of Fascism ever becoming a serious political force in Britain was discounted by Mr G. K. Chesterton in a recent address. “I would suggest a piece of advice to those who advocate or try to picture a Fascist or any other revolution in our country,” he said. “Let us remember that we have several firm and fundamental characteristics of our own. Other nations have obtained dictators by dint of months of street fighting. But street fighting is not integral to the English character, and if street fighting did start here I have a feeling that when the first poor fellow had been hit and lay bleeding on the ground the rest would probably pack up and go home. Revolution of this sort sins against the whole inside culture of the English people.”

Reason Versus Violence, “The most essential article of faith for the progressive person must always be: ‘A proposition which is new can only win a proper and lasting response through its merits.’ No alternative device will ever succeed, however much we may desire to think otherwise in order that we may justify our enjoyment of the luxury of moral indignation and the art of denunciation,” writes Lord Allen of Hurtwood in the Cambridge Review. “Moreover, every time the progressive thinker presents a progressive idea by violent advocacy he will find himself beaten by the other side. His opponents are far better at that job than he. That is why Fascism has come into its own and why the war-monger can always defeat a pacifist if once he becomes bellicose. The progressive man may think that a bout of healthy passion and denunciation will arouse attention to what is good, but in a flash he will find a Mussolini on top in Italy, a Hitler crushing Socialism, or a Stalin having to fight a desperate battle against a world which he has frightened by violent propaganda when he could have won it by building a great object-lesson of humane achievement. I am convinced that enlightened ideas never had a better chance of acceptance than they have to-day. But this can only prove a reality if some party or group can be found that will seize this opportunity of submitting a programme on its merits, and in no other way . . . Wc have during the last century found ourselves becoming more inevitably accustomed to examining evidence and drawing conclusions in thought and practice. This suggests that a new and more vigorous use of the instrument of reason may lead to more rapid results than ever before. The issue of the moment is whether we are prepared to apply human will to problems, the difficulty of whose solution does not lie in themselves.”

New Zealand Exchange. Further criticism of the manipulation of the New Zealand exchange rate appears in the June issue of the month-

ly letter issued by the National City Bank of New York. Discussing the injurious effects of unstable currencies, the writer refers to the danger of a competitive depreciation of currency and as an illustration cites the action of the New Zealand Government in reducing the value of the pound from a 9 per cent, to a 20 per cent, discount in terms of sterling. Hardly had this step been announced when Denmark took similar action. Remarking that this policy was adopted as “the easiest way to increase returns to the farmer,” the letter continues: —“It is pertinent to ask why the previous depreciation of this currency was not adequate to restore the profit-earning capacity of the export industries, what Denmark’s competitors will do to offset this move, and*what will happen when the internal purchasing power of the depreciated currency decreases? Will New Zealand, an exporter of products competing with Denmark, .be content, with her recent depreciation? What will be the reaction in Australia, which has doubled her exports of butter since 1928? Of course, this situation illustrates the truth that the competitive gains from a depreciating currency arc rapidly lost in the readjustments that follow unless the depreciation is continuous. The inducement to make, it continuous is great, and so is the inducement to other countries to depreciate their own currencies further, since each can argue that its decision is defensive or retaliatory. The ultimate end of such competition is the extinction of all currencies.”

The Dominion Meteorologist last night issued the following information: The cyclone responsible for the recent unsettled weather is moving gradually off the North Island. An intense anticyclone covers south-eastern Australia and is extending towards southern New Zealand. Winds moderate to strong south-westerlies prevailing from Auckland northwards. Elsewhere south to south-east. Seas in New Zealand waters rather rough to rough generally, but moderating south of Farewell Spit. In the Eastern Tasman moderate to strong southerly winds. Moderate to rather rough seas. Weather still cloudy to overcast with further showers of misty rain in most districts, more especially in eastern districts south of East Cape. Improving gradually in western and southern districts. Temperatures cold.

Richard Dias, who admitted stealing £353 from the firm which employed him as an accountant, was sentenced yesterday to two years' reformative detention, states an Auckland Press Association message.

“The meaning of the word ‘den’ is not very clear to me, your Worship, said Mr A. Rosser, when the Auckland City Council received an application for a permit to construct a fireplace in the “den” of a dwelling at Epsom. “It is a place where a husband can go to get away from his family,” replied the Mayor, Mr G. W. Hutchison.

One of the longest judgments to arise from litigation in the Supreme Court was that delivered at Auckland on Friday by Mr Justice Smith in the Speedwell Oil case. Of 86 foolscap pages of typewriting, it totalled more than 28,000 words, which is equivalent to nearly half the length of many a novel or about three and a-half pages of the New Zealand Herald.

Keen interest is being taken by enthusiasts in the badminton tournament which is to be held in the Zealandia Hall this evening. Record entries have been received, necessitating an early start at 7 o’clock and interesting games should be witnessed. The tournament has been arranged in aid of the touring funds of the Southland Ladies’ Hockey Association, and it is hoped that a generous measure of public patronage will be accorded it.

During a wedding breaklast at Fcilding the bride was called upon to read a sheaf of congratulatory telegrams. Before she realized the import of one from her Palmerston North friend, she read in a voice which proclaimed suppressed emotion: “May the Lord have mercy upon poor Jack.” Hilarious laughter from the bride, bridesmaids, groom, best man, clergyman, and guests greeted the announcement. The story was told at the celebration of their golden wedding recently, when the merry peals of 50 years ago again echoed through the same roof.

“Man and Superman,” Shaw’s famous play which the author has called a philosophy and also a bible, was read by the members of the W.E.A. literature class at Everybody’s last evening. Mr I. L. Petrie occupied the chair. The unique point of view and the epigrammatic style of this early Shavian effort appealed greatly to those present, as also did Shaw’s wit. Those who took part were Mrs H. C. Godward, Misses P. L. Hannah, A. Matheson, L. McKay, V. Mclntosh, E. M. Reid and I. Topping. Messrs R. H. Osborne, D. J. Miller, S. G. August, G. Swift, P. Barlow and R. Anderson. Next Monday evening Mr J. J. W. Pollard will deliver a lecture on the drama.

“Do you know the percentage of losses on the railways?” asked Mr Aickin, railway law officer, on Thursday of a witness before the Transport Appeal Board at Auckland. The witness had remarked that there was more likelihood of parcels going astray by rail than by car. “Would you be surprised to know,” Mr Aickin continued, “that the percentage loss is the lowest of any railway in the world?” The witness said he had “a great deal of time” for the railways.' “If you had been travelling on the railways lately you would have discovered that the railways are somewhat different from what they were 14 years ago,” said Mr Aickin.

“The Nazi revolution is one of the most contemptible on record,” declared Dr W. M. Smith, of the staff of the Palmerston North Boys’ High School, when addressing the Palmerston North Citizens’ Lunch Club a few days ago. Dr Smith has had personal experience of life in Germany under the Hitler regime. “Hitler is a man of few definite ideas, but very fond of sounding phrases,” he said. “He nearly always says nothing, but unlike some politicians he says it very well and very effectively. He speaks with great gusto and power, so that the listener finds himself leaning forward in spite of himself to catch the words better. It is only when he begins to analyse his own words that it becomes patent that they are mere froth.” Dr Smith said the plans of the Nazis displayed a remarkable lack of coherence, distinguished chiefly by an inspired but profound hatred for the German Jewry. Suppression of the Jews and the Left Opposition was the chief plank of Hitler’s programme, with little provision for economic progress. In foreign affairs, he preached hatred for France and German expansion eastward.

Since January 1, 700 bicycles have been reported lost or stolen in Christchurch, and 500 have been taken to the station as found. This department of the police deals with from 1000 to 1400 lost or stolen cycles in a year. Every six months 50 or 60 machines whose owners cannot be found are sold by auction.

Lambing has commenced in earnest in the Kairanga (Manawatu) district, and in some of the larger flocks there are reported to be as many as 40 lambs. Early lambs commenced to arrive about three weeks ago in this district. Conditions for lambing are stated to be good, and consequently few Josses are occurring. If the weather continues it is expected that the season will be a record one.

The town clerk of Opotiki, Mr C. Fleming, has refused to resign. The council derided last week that the services of the staff of the council, with the exception of Ihe office girl, should be dispensed with and applications called for the positions at drastically reduced salaries and wages. The employees affected were the town clerk, the borough foreman, the traffic inspector, the lorrv and grader driver, and the relief works ganger.

Before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., a young married woman, who was represented by Mr Gordon Reed, appeared for sentence in the Police Court yesterday on two charges of shoplifting. The probation officer (Mr C. G. L. Pollock) said he had thoroughly investigated the position and was prepared to recommend probation upon special conditions. His Worship (to accused): “The probation officer has saved you from a sharp term of imprisonment and it is up to you now. You will be admitted to probation for two years upon the conditions outlined by the probation officer.

Arrangements are well in hand for the carnival to be held in the Victoria Hall on July 27 and 28 in aid of the South Kindergarten. For the last two months an energetic committee has been working hard and it is hoped that the cause will receive the support of the public. At a meeting held last night in Mr Alex Sutherland’s rooms all the stallholders reported excellent progress. A full programme will be presented each evening and, as Mr Sutherland is in charge of this department, it should be of a high entertainment value. Numerous sideshows will lend an additional attraction to the carnival. Full particulars will be advertised in due course.

Attention is drawn to the sale of grazing leases on the reclaimed ground near Otatara to be offered at auction by Messrs J. E. Watson and Co. on Friday next July 21. The areas are heavy grazing land, sub-divided into convenient areas and are well watered. This offers an excellent chance for farmers or butchers to obtain an area of grazing land convenient to the city. —Advt. A LESS COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY. Few people are aware of the fact that there is an annual market in countries of the Southern Hemisphere for over £30,000,000 worth of softwoods, paper and pulp, yet there is not a pulp mill south of the line, because at present there is not a sufficiently large stand of accessible softwood forest to warrant the establishment of a pulp mill. New Zealand’s greatest competitors in marketing primary products will become her best customers when N.Z. Perpetual Forests, Ltd., establishes the pulping industry in the near future.-—Advt. Ladies’ Lisle Hose, lined with wool 1/11 Pair. Silk Hose, lined wool 1/11 Pair at Wicks’ Ltd., Drapers, Dee Street.—Advt. Ginger Candy, a real food, our latest production, only 1/- per lb., and other delicious sweets at AYSON’S Two Shops, 5 and 72 Dee Street.—Advt. Ladies’ and children’s dresses, coats and constumes made to order, also cutting and fitting done at reasonable prices at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee Street.—Advt. Positive Proof that Rheumatoid Arthritis is curable. Sufferers in your own town state that never before has any treatment given them such remarkable results; swollen and painful knees, ankles and limbs have been restored to normal after a few weeks. Write Tavener, Arthritis Specialist, 183 High St. Ch. Ch. 5 weeks treatment 17/6 posted.— Advt. Boys’ fleecy lined singlets all sizes, selling for 1/6. Children’s wool singlets, sizes 1,2 and 3, usual prices 5/6, now half price 2/9. Under mill prices. Carter’s Stocktaking Sale. See advertisement front page.—Advt. GOOD NEWS FOR THE HOUSEWIFE. BEST COOKERY BOOK AND CHEAPEST 1000 Tested and Inexpensive Receipts 250 pages, for 1/-. Postage sd. Have you that RECIPE BOOK to write and the choice recipes? THE RED RECIPE BOOK, 5/-. Postage 6d. N.Z. BOOK DEPOT, 49-51, ESK STREET, INVERCARGILL.—Advt. Ski-ing enthusiasts, in Thomson and Beattie’s window at present, a display of cosy, comfortable sports clothing is showing. Colourful cardigans, warm woolly hose and gloves, and navy serge trousers, are the recognized style for the winter sportswoman, and these, together with such accessories as handkerchiefs, scarves, berets, etc., are attractively displayed. See them during the week.—Advt.

CONSTIPATION is the direct cause of many ailments. Headaches, biliousness, indigestion and dizziness can all be traced to constipation. NYAL FIGSEN corrects constipation. Naturally and gently it cleans out the impurities from the system and allows the various intestinal organs to perform their natural functions. FIGSEN is equally good for young and old and is nice to take. Get Figsen at STEWARTS PHARMACY at 1/6 per tin.—Advt.

Results speak for themselves. Young girl in Canterbury confined to crutches (for 7 years) vzith Rheumatoid Arthritis is now able to ride a bicycle. Could you hear a better testimonial for Tavener’s Arthritis Prescription (17/6 posted). James Tavener, Chemist and Arthritis Specialist, 183 High St. Ch. Ch—- .

When your doctor writes a prescription he bases his calculations on the B.P.—that is, the British Pharmacopeia—and desires results obtained by the use of medicinal preparations of B.P. standard. Bring your prescriptions to BROWN’S PHARMACY. We use only preparations complying with the requirements of the B.P. For accuracy and care in dispensing make GEO. H. BROWN your chemist. If unable to call, we will send for your prescription, dispense, and deliver your medicine promptly. Telephone 328. GEO. H. BROWN, Chemist-Optician, 125 Dee street.—Advt. FRESHNESS AND PURITY. One of the many advantages of Baxter's Lung Preserver is that wherever you buy it you do not purchase from old stock. “Baxter’s” is the fastest selling cough remedy by a long, long way. This brisk turnover of “Baxter’s” means that you are absolutely assured of /reshness and purity. And “Baxter’s” sells best, of course, because it is the best. All chemists and stores are busy selling the 1/6, 2/6 and 4/6 sizes.—Advt

A shipment of wheat which, it is understood, will total about 7000 tons, is due to be lifted from Lyttelton and Timaru in the near future. This will be the fourth shipment made this year by the Wheat Board, and will bring the total exported so far this season up to a little under 1,000,000 bushels.

There are 373 properties in the Auckland City area in which the State Advances Department is interested. The city valuer reported to the City Council on Thursday evening that he had estimated the average rateable value of these properties at £4O, amounting to an approximate total rateable value of £15,000.

In the course of an address to members of the Timaru Rotary Club, the Rev. P. G. Hughes, who is leaving Timaru, stated that in trying to calculate how many sermons and addresses he had delivered since coming to Timaru 12 years ago, he had been appalled to realize that the figure was in the region of 1500. He had had rather an interesting experience the other day in going through several old manuscripts, many of which he had burnt. “I might add that they burnt very well as they were very dry,” said Mr Hughes.—(Laughter).

A winter show lends opportunities to some people, but the action of one man at a recent Taranaki show was a revelation in cooly-calculated and daringly executed methods. Toward the end of the evening, when exhibitors were collecting their entries, he calmly hoisted an 801 b cheese on to his shoulder and, assuming the air of proprietorship, which he bore with more ease than he did the cheese, headed for the doorway. That was as far as he went, for the official on the exit gate happened to know him.

“I predict that a great part of presentday fiction will be ejected from every decent home and library 20 years hence,” said Canon Percival James in a sermon in St. Paul’s Pro-cathedral, Wellington, in which he endorsed the indictment of “The New Morality” made by Archbishop Averill, Primate of New Zealand, in an address at Auckland last Thursday. There was ample need for the warning, since many decent-minded people failed to realize the extent of the forces which were at work undermining Christian ideals of purity and chastity, Canon James said.

An extremely diminutive man boarded a tram in the vicinity of Newmarket and settled himself comfortably into a seat (says the Auckland Star). After a few minutes, apparently not finding that particular seat to his liking, he moved to another and settled himself, with a sigh of contentment, into the new and seeming vastly superior seat. At this stage the conductor arrived. “Fare, please.” The little man pointed out that he had just changed his scat. As this fact was indisputable, everybody having seen him move, the conductor passed on to the next and more honest passenger. After enjoying several sections of tram ride at the expense of the Auckland Tramway Board the small man left the tram with an air of “something accomplished, something done.”