TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 22132, 28 September 1933, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Rising OI Ocean Levels. Speaking at the International Geological Congress at Washington, Dr A. W. Grabau, of Pekin, said that since the geological age, known as the Cambrian, more than 500,000,000 years ago, when life was just getting its start on earth, the level of the sea had periodically risen and fallen in a regular rhythm. The cause of these periodic floods was not known with certainty, but it might be linked up with the activity of radio-active substances like radium in the interior of the earth. This radio-activity probably generated heat, some scientists believe, and there was evidence that the heat might escape at intervals by a “blowing off steam” process that might have something to do with causing the ocean floods. Geologists had long known that the oceans had partially flooded the continents man) times in the earth’s past, but many had held the theory that this was due to sinking of the continents. All evidence, however, indicated that the rise and fall of . sea level every few million years was the real cause of these floods. Some areas of the continents had risen and fallen, but this was only secondary to the ocean movements.

Spiritual Standards. “We have built up for ourselves a superb mechanical apparatus of life,” said Mr John Buchan, Lord High Commissioner at the Edinburgh Church Assembly. “We have dominated the forces of nature for our enrichment and our comfort. We have increased the speed and complexity of living. We have broken down many of the old categories of thought, and have adventured without chart or compass into a strange world. But have we not been in peril, amid our material triumps, of forgetting the things of the spirit? And now in the last few years we have seen the work of our hands confounded. The lordly palaces we have built are everywhere crumbling. Much of the wealth which we have laboriously created is vanishing like fairy gold. The winds from the outer spaces have broken into our security, and we realize to-day how frail a thing is our civilization. In such an hour of crisis it is the duty of secular statesmen with clear eyes and strong hands to build up again a world in which man may live. But a still more urgent duty lies upon the Church of Christ. May it not be that our troubles are a blessing in disguise, that they may form that praeparatio evangelica which turns the mind to God? It is for you, at this hour when material standards are largely discredited, to uphold'’those spiritual standards which cannot fail. No higher duty, no nobler opportunity was ever given to a Church such as ours, which is at once evangelical and catholic, historic and free.”

Philosophies of Empire. In a speech at a summer school of the British Empire Society, Lord Lloyd said the past 20 years had seen a great change in their philosophy of Empire. It was time to set to work to build up again a sound philosophy on which an Imperial policy could be based. Discussing the dangers which, he believed, threatened the British Empire at the present time, Lord Lloyd said that the most obscure and critical danger lay in the Statute of Westminster. So great was the confusion that had followed it that it had even become a matter of legal argument whether under this statute a Dominion Parliament might not pass a law altering the succession to the Crown. There was in the Empire to-day no central staff to co-qrdinate the doings of the various communities. There was an urgent need for ensuring the inclusion of a very large number of Dominion men in the diplomatic and consular services. Perhaps the only fundamental mistake that anyone could make in Empire building was to get the wrong method of approach. He suggested that the only right method of approach was the evidential one, which was based on truth. There was a danger that Imperial administrators would go out determined to have no definite principles of any kind. Others, in default of a practical policy, would go out armed with no guidance except vague dreams about the brotherhood of man and the perfectibility of human nature. Hie second great need of an empire was its safety., Whether the Imperial defences were adequate to withstand invasion was a question very little discussed to-day. It would be fatal ever to believe politicians when they said there was no risk of war, for on that point they had always been wrong. With regard to sea power, practically never since the days of Nelson had they felt themselves safe with less than a two-Power standard, but they were far below that now. The Army was reduced to dangerously small proportions. As to the air, they had been reduced from first Power to sixth, and he supposed there was no one who v/ould now feel entirely happy about their aerial defences. It was impossible for a country to increase its responsi-

bilities and liabilities, and at the same time to reduce its assets, without taking a grave risk.

The Dominion Meteorologist last night issued the following information: An anti-cyclone still covers the Tasman Sea and New Zealand, but a slight low pressure wave has been passing in the south to-day. Winds south-westerly to southerly; moderate generally but freshening somewhat up the east coast. Seas in New Zealand waters rather rough north of Cape Egmont and in Foveaux Strait; elsewhere moderate. In the eastern Tasman Sea moderate southerly winds and moderate seas. Weather fair to fine in most districts, but showery in the far south and a few scattered showers to-night on the east coast. Cold night temperatures.

On Thursday evening, September 21, the Makarewa Junction Band of Hope held their monthly meeting. There was a good gathering of members and friends. The meeting opened with devotional exercises and the members repeated their pledge. After a few items by the children Mr McCaw, from Invercargill, gave a splendid lantern lecture which was much enjoyed by all. The singing of a hymn and the Benediction brought the meeting to a close, after which supper was handed round.

An adjourned sitting of the Conciliation Commission was held at Gisborne yesterday when an agreement was reached on all points outstanding relating to wages for town, suburban and country works. The parties showed a conciliatory spirit. The agreement will be submitted to the Arbitration Court for ratification as a new award for a term of 12 months. —Press Association message.

The Auckland Fire Board yesterday received from the City Council a reply to a letter in which the board remarked on the serious fire danger which existed in the Town Hall during the “Back to Childhood” ball. The council said it regretted the occurrence and would take steps to ensure the position would not arise again. The chairman of the board commented that probably there would be no more “Back to Childhood” balls in the city for many a long day. —Press Association message.

A general difficulty is being experienced by station managements in securing suitable labour for seasonal work such as docking, fencing, and other forms of spring station work (says a northern exchange). The difficulty is regarded as being due, in some measure, to the departure of many single men for relief camps in other parts of the country, these men representing the labour pool from which, in ordinary circumstances, the requirements of the country farms are drawn. Wages of 15/-, 25/-, and 30/per week, with keep, are being offered without creating a rush of applicants, married men being averse from accepting employment at such rates with the necessity of leaving their families in tov/n.

Another world cruise has been planned by the Cunard Company. It will be undertaken by the liner Franconia, which is scheduled to sail from New York at midnight on Tuesday, January 9. The vessel will pass through the Panama canal on January 16, and will proceed to San Pedro, Hilo, Honolulu, Papeete, Averna (Rarotonga), Apia, Suva, Auckland, Wellington, and Sydney. The Franconia will arrive at Auckland on the morning of February 21, sail on the evening of February 24. arrive at Wellington on the morning of February 26, and sail the same day for Sydney. The stay of three days at Auckland will give the passengers ample time to visit the thermal district and other North Island tourist resorts. The ship will leave Sydney on March 4, and will proceed to the East. She will call at almost every eastern port, and will then steam to Madras, Colombo, Port Victoria (Seychelles Islands), Mombasa, Zanzibar, Diego, Suarez (Madagascar), Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Tov/n, Montevideo, Rio de Janiero, and Barbados. The cruise will occupy 142 days and the Franconia will call at 38 ports and steam 37,555 miles. She is scheduled to return to New York on May 31.

Helene Millinery, Majestic Chambers. Summer Felts from 7/11; Tweed Hats made to order. We remodel.—Advt.

For an infant’s outfit and all baby wear you cannot do better than buy at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee street.—Advt.

Bargains in confectionery for weekend: 1/- tablets 9d; 6d tablets 2 for 9d; 3d tablets 4 for 9d. Call early at Ayson’s two shops, 5 and 72 Dee street.—Advt.

See our special display of hosiery. We sell only first grade goods, fully guaranteed, new shades. Prices from 1/11 pair. Wicks’ Ltd., Cash Drapers, Dee street.—Advt.

Mr Alex S. Holms, Waimahaka Estate, writes: “We 'have been using Mackintosh’s Antiseptic for some years now, . and find that for tailing and marking lambs, shearing, scald in sheep’s feet, cuts, and wounds of any sort there is nothing to equal it.” 3/6 bottle sufficient for 200 lambs. Geo. I. Moffett, Chemist.—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.

Sample Trousers bought at a big discount. All Wool Tweeds and Saddle Tweeds, also large range of newest Flannel Trousers and Blazers to be sold at Bargain Prices at Carter's. See Carter’s advt. on front page—Advt.

What a comfortable atmosphere a living room possesses when plenty of cushions are provided. Usually, however, the amount of money involved in purchasing these pieces of comfort is rather large. Thomson and Beattie in Tay street have just opened six dozen beautiful taffeta cushion covers, embroidered and quaint shaped coloured pieces stitched on. Some of the colours include gold, saxe, amber, green and helio. All 2/11 each. This low price will make a speedy clearance so we advise you to call at once.—Advt. NEW EDITION 1933. SOUTH ISLAND MOTORISTS’ ROAD GUIDE Has reached the N.Z. BOOK DEPOT ESK STREET, INVERCARGILL. PRICE 3/6. POSTAGE Bd.-Advt,

Tire Court of Appeal yesterday afternoon was engaged in the case Keast v. Keast, an appeal from the decision of Mr Justice Blair in a Christchurch divorce petition.—Press Association message.

The body of a newly born female child v/as found wrapped in paper on the steps leading from Anzac Avenue to Beach Road near the Auckland railway station. The body was well developed and bore no marks of violence. It was evidently only a few hours old.—Press Association message.

While the British motor ship Inverbank, which arrived at Auckland recently from Tampico, Mexico, was discharging a lumber cargo at Japanese ports, her officers and crew took advantage of the extremely low prices ruling in Japan to buy all manner of things for themselves and for relatives and friends in England. One officer displayed a pair of gum boots which reached almost to his thighs. The price of the boots, he said, was 1/9.

A Bryndwr housewife is still looking for an explanation of an untoward incident that occurred the other day. She had potatoes in an electric oven cooking in their “jackets” when suddenly there came a loud report. In consternation she turned off the main switch (says the Christchurch Times) and rang for an electrician. He arrived in due course, and could find nothing wrong. Finally, he investigated the inside of the oven, only to reveal that it was one of the potatoes which had caused all the trouble. It had burst in the heat and spread itself in little pieces round the walls of the oven. The housewife has since been very suspicious of anything in the shape of a potato.

Why worry? Send your films to GEORGE H. BROWN, Chemist, and you know they’ll be safe. Expert developing brings out the best in each negative. The famous Kodak-made VELOX PAPER picks up the detail, softens too harsh contrasts and in all ways . meets the amateur’s needs. Velox is made in three grades, and thiee surfaces. We use the grade and the surface best suited to your snaps. Careful return of all negatives. GEORGE H. BROWN, Chemist, 125 Dee street Make no • ’stake—BßOWN, The Chemist. We have no agents, post direct to us. Our prices have been considerably reduced.—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.

Results speak for themselves. Young girl in Canterbury confined to crutches (for 7 years) with 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—- .

OAKS AND REEDS. “Oaks may fail but reeds brave the storm.” A loud, lusty cough may soon ease off, but a small persistent cough may be harder to dislodge. But don’t take risks with any cold. Get busy with Baxter’s Lung Preserver. This rich warming, soothing remedy gives relief with the first dose and its excellent tonic properties bring quick recovery.

Insist on “Baxter’s”—it’s better. 1/6, 2/6 and 4/6 at all chemists and stores. —Advt»