TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 22113, 6 September 1933, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Tariff Policy. Dealing with tariff policy, the report of the sub-commission of the Economic Commission of the World Conference stated:—“The need and urgency-of reducing excessive customs tariffs were unanimously admitted. Views differed, however, as to the best means of effecting this tariff disarmament. With regard to the actual means by which the problem of tariff demobilization should be attacked, three . different points of view have been voiced in the sub-commission: —(1) A collective or general convention, could alone attain the desired result; (2) customs duties could only be lowered by the conclusion of bilateral treaties; (3) no method should be excluded; that of a general convention and that of bilateral treaties might be adopted _ concurrently. Among the countries which are in favour of a collective or general convention, some consider that tariffs should be gradually reduced by uniform annual percentages. (Principle embodied in the Ouchy Convention). Those delegations which recommend bilateral treaties, on the other hand, argue that a horizontal reduction of customs tariffs would not be equitable since it would penalize countries with moderate tariffs and would take no account of the special situation of each country. It would also disturb the balance of the general system of customs tariffs.”

Mcst-Favourcd-Nation. The most-favoured-nation clause was studied by the sub-commission “especially from the point of view of the exceptions that might be allowed in order to make its application more elastic and better suited to present conditions.” The report declares:—“There was a general opinion in favour - of the maintenance of the most-favoured-nation clause, in its unconditional and unrestricted form—naturally with the usually recognized exceptions—stressing the points that it represents the basis of all liberal commercial policy; and that any general and substantial reduction of tariffs by the method of bilateral treaties is only possible if the clause is unrestricted, and that this method would avoid the constant resumption of negotiations. However, certain delegations manifested a strong opinion in favour of allowing new exceptions in addition to those hitherto unanimously admitted, on the ground that, although the unconditional and unrestricted most-favoured-nation clause does under normal conditions secure for trade the indispensable minimum of guarantees and prevents arbitrary and discriminatory treatment, if insisted upon with too great rigidity, it may obstruct its own purposes in a period of crisis and difficulty such as we are now passing through." Opinions “differed very widely” about the nature of these exceptions.

The Indian Market. “India is one of the backward nations of the world economically and very backward in industry. Yet all the conditions for a great industrial country India possesses in abundance,” said Sir Alfred Watson, editor of the Calcutta Statesman, at a luncheon of the Royal Empire Society. “India has capital in abundance for every development, could that capital be persuaded from its hiding places; cheap and abundant labour, largo supplies of raw material, considerable resources of power from coal and from the streams of the country, a population that offers a great market at the very doors, and fair facilities for transport. If you raise the income of the Indian peasant by as much as one rupee a head a year, you increase his buying capacity by £20,000,000 a year. That is the vital meaning of a population of more than 300,000,000. Once the ryot loses his contentment and begins to feel the want of better clothes, better houses, a higher level of sanitation and the thousands of things big and little that speedily become necessities, he will improve his agriculture and his income, and industries to supply his wants will develop in India. If India to-morrow were able to provide itself with all that it now impoi - ts, employment might be found for possibly 3,000,000 persons at a wage level far below that in Europe. That would absorb barely a year’s growth in the population. The one solution is to create a greater demand for both luxuries and necessities among the masses of the Indian population, and the preliminary to that stage is to raise the value of the agricultural product.”

A candid cyclist caused laughter in the Magistrate’s Court at Christchurch on Monday, when he was charged with riding a bicycle at night without a light. The defendant was asked by the Magistrate, Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., why he had not walked. “Well, I had been down that way for months and months, and had never seen a policeman on the road,” replied the defendant. He was fined 10/- and costs.

The Dominion Meteorologist last night issued the following information: —An anti-cyclone covers the Tasman Sea and New Zealand, - A slight low pressure wave is now moving on to Tasmania. Winds south-easterly to southerly north of Farewell Spit and Kaikoura. Strong in exposed positions, otherwise light to moderate. Elsewhere variable and later becoming northerly in and south of Cook Strait. Seas in New Zealand waters rather rough between Castle Point and East Cape. Elsewhere smooth and moderate. In the Eastern Tasman Sea light to moderate variable winds, shortly tending northerly and freshening in the southern portion. Seas smooth and moderate. Weather fair to fine generally. Some showers at first between Hawkes Bay, East Cape and later Westland and the far south. Cool night, but mild day temperatures.

At a sitting of the Gore Police Court yesterday morning before Mr A. Martin, J.P., a first offender on a charge of drunkenness in Traford street, Gore, on Monday evening was convicted and fined 10/-.

In his reserved judgment in the appeal by Frederick McCormick, challenging a by-law which prohibits unengaged taxis from waiting outside theatres in the hope of obtaining a fare, Mr Justice Ostler held that the by-law is not unreasonable or oppressive, states a Wellington Press Association message.

The unusual spectacle of a public body being unable to meet because of the lack of a quorum was witnessed recently, when six members of the Christchurch Domains Board waited in vain for the arrival of the additional members needed to make a quorum (says the Times). The six members who attended waited for a quarter of an hour, at the expiration of which period the chairman (Mr H. Kitson) announced that the meeting had lapsed.

“Chamois” leather does not come from chamois, but from sheep. That was one of the things demonstrated to the Minister for Lands (the Hon. E. A. Ransom) when he visited the Woolston tanneries, Christchurch, on Monday. It was explained to him that although long ago chamois leather came from the skins of chamois and deer, nowadays practically all of it came from sheepskins. The skins were split, and the flesh side of the split skin was used to make the soft polishing leather known for household purposes as “chamois.” True chamois leather was used only for special purposes.

“If you were to ask me what is the worst job in the world I should say that it is that of the programme organizer in a broadcasting studio,” said Mr C. R. Russell when he addressed members of the Workers’ Educational Association on “Broadcasting in New Zealand” in Christchurch. Mi - Russell said that the problem in the Dominion was made more difficult because of the small number of first-class artists. When the available talent was exhausted records had to be used, and it was difficult to choose these so that the majority of listeners would be satisfied.

It is not often that a lorry load of people make an error in the selection of a date for a dance and presentation, but recently a band of cadets to the number of 15 found they had erred by travelling from Coromandel to Mercury Bay, thinking that a military ball and presentation were to take place that evening (says the Auckland Star). Arriving at about 9 p.m. and seeing no life about, they were fortunate in reaching a sympathizer, who regaled them with hot tea and pakes; later they returned to Coromandel sadder and wetter. How the error occurred is a mystery.

The Gore Congregational Church choir has been re-formed under a previous conductor, Mi - T. R. Chisholm, who took charge of the choir in 1903 for five years during the ministry of the Rev. G. Hervey, who is now retired at Toowoomba, Queensland. Mr Chisholm resigned about 15 years ago after seven years’ service. He was conductor of the combined church choir at the Armistice and Peace celebrations at the conclusion of the Great War, being appointed by the Council of Christian Churches and the Gore Borough Council. Mr Chisholm hopes that the Congregational Choir will reach its former standard of efficiency when the choir had a membership of over thirty and rendered signal service by singing the incidental music during the showing of the picture “Quo Vadis?” at Gore. At the conclusion of the picture showings Mr W. Stevenson, now a member of the Legislative Council, gave a special screening for the choir, offering a donation to its funds which was refused on Christian grounds. During the same year the choir competed at the Invercargill competitions, taking third place in the order of merit.

Nothing but the best is good enough for the blenders of DEWAR’S WHISKY. —Advt.

See railway advertisement this issue for particulars of train arrangements for Representative Football Match, Southland v. Taranaki, to be played on Saturday, September 9. —Advt.

Blazers, Gym Frocks, Blouses, Knickers, Gym Hose, Navy Raincoats and everything for School in stock or made to order at Mrs Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee Street.—Advt.

Ladies! We carry the largest variety of vests in Invercargill. Come in and look around. Prices from 1/- to 7/6 at Wicks’ Hose and Vest Shop, Dee street.—Advt,

One word please. Just a little Salca keeps distemper away from your dog and keeps it free from worms. 1/-, 4/and 12/-. Geo, H. Brown, chemist.— Advt.

Bits of broken glass in joints is how one Arthritis sufferer described his condition. Thanks to Taveners’ Arthritis Prescription he now states that he is completely cured, hasn’t an ache or pain. 5 weeks treatment 17/6 Tavener Chemist and Arthritis Specialist, 183 High St. Ch.Ch.—Advt.

Raspberry toffee 8d per lb and all toffees and candies freshly made on the premises. Support local industry. —Ayson’s two shops, 5 and 72 Dee Street.—Advt.

150 surplus boys suits to be sold, at prices much lower than usual. Genuine 25/6 quality reduced to 19/6. All sizes. These suits have double seats. Carter’s Surplus Stock Sale.—Advt. A free Salca doggy book for you. Salca keeps your dog fit and free from worms. 1/-, 4/- and 12/-. Geo. H. Brown, chemist.—Advt. SCENE IN TEA ROOMS. ATTRACTIVE YOUNG WOMAN’S ANNOYANCE. An unusual but diverting scene was witnessed recently by the gathering of fashionable women who make a certain leading tea-rooms their afternoon rendezvous. An attractive young woman, obviously belonging to the smart set had just indignantly informed the manager that she was very dissatisfied with the quality of the refreshments served in this exclusive cafe. “Why is it,” she demanded, “impossible for me to get a really good cup of tea here? One rather expects the best in a place like this. And goodness knows that would be easy enough for you. If you’d only serve ‘Tiger Tea,’ everyone would be satisfied. You can get it from any grocer and it’s only 2/6 a lb.” —Advt.

A great deal has appeared in the newspapers about ragwort, but to city dwellers, and even to a great many country folk, the weed is unknown (says the Auckland Star). Recently a party of relief workers was sent to Rangitoto Island to clear away the ragwort and other weeds from this sanctuary of New Zealand plant life. A visiting botanist found that the workers were unacquainted with the appearance of ragwort and were making sure of getting it by chipping away all the small plant growth near the tracks, which meant that many of the native herbs, including the much-prized koromiko, came under the hoe and slasher.

Reduction in the price of Wairaki Coal. The retail price of this superior and economical coal is reduced three shillings per ton from date. Order from the sole agent, John Murray, Esk Street, Phone 207.—Advt,

A magnificent display (windows and interior) of delicate spring fashions commences to-day at the Exhibition; this display is the first authentic one yet held in the city so if you desire to participate in a fashion feast make Thomson and Beattie Ltd. your meeting place for the afternoon.—Advt.

You know the old saying: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” With a dog it is “Salca each day keeps distemper at bay.” 1/-, 4/- and 12/-. Geo. H. Brown, chemist, —Advt.

“Dreams, Books are each a world; and Books we know are a substantial world—both pure and good.” The following Books by David Grayson 3/each; Adventures in Friendship, Great Possessions, Adventures in Understanding, Adventures in Solitude. Arthur Mee’s Talks to Girls 3/-; The Open Road by E. V. Lucas, 9/6; Brother Saul, by Donn Byrne, 4/-; Polynesian Mythology and Ancient Traditional History of the New Zealanders by Sir George Grey, 2/9.—N.Z. BOOK DEPOT, 49-51 Esk Street, Invercargill.—Advt.

NYAL CREOPHOS A strengthening Tonic and Tissue Builder. Recommended for General Debility, Nervous Weakness, Stubborn Coughs, Bronchitis and Chest Cold; 2/6 and 4/6 per bottle at STEWART’S PHARMACY, corner Dee and Don Street.—Advt. Salca every day, cures doggy of worms and keeps them away. 1/-, 4/- and 12/-. Geo. H. Brown, chemist. —Advt. “THE DOG WITHOUT TEETH.....” There is an old proverb which says, “the dog without teeth barks the most," which has given rise to the saying, "his bark is worse than his bite” A loud and lusty cough may not be serious but a. small, incessant cough might signify real danger. In either case you can rely on Baxter’s Lung Preserver to give the greatest possible relief. “Baxter’s” acts quickly, is most pleasant, and helps with its great tonic properties. Sold by all chemists and stores in three sizes, 1/6, 2/6 and 4/6, — Advt.