The Southland Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. "Luceo Non Uro." SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1933. THE WHEAT BOARD

Southland Times, Issue 22140, 7 October 1933, Page 4

The Southland Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. " Luceo Non Uro." SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1933. THE WHEAT BOARD

The Government must expect criticism over the Wheat Board’s operations so long as farmers who have first grade wheat find that they cannot sell it, despite the fact that some mills are prepared to offer for it the ruling price. When the Wheat Board was set up it was given monopolistic powers within certain limits, and while it can say that its purpose at all times has been to protect the farmers, the country is well aware that this protection operates very largely to the advantage of one portion of the Dominion. Mi- McDougall’s argument is that if one part of New Zealand can be exempted from the operations of the Board, Southland should also have exemption, so that wheat farmers in this province can sell their wheat to the best advantage. It will be remembered that some time ago a Southland producer found that he could not sell his wheat because it was not graded as first. He insisted that it was first-grade wheat and subsequently he found that one of the free mills was prepared to buy it as first-grade and to pay him the price fixed by the Board, but this mill could not purchase the wheat because it had its full ration, and evidently other mills were in the same position. If it is assumed that this wheat was first grade the producer was a heavy sufferer, and he certainly had good ground for complaint. Incidents of this kind are inseparable from any monopolistic scheme established under statute. The law puts into the hands of the Board the power to determine how much wheat it will purchase, and once it declares that certain wheat cannot be bought, the producer finds himself up against a brick wall. If the wheat is not first grade, the producer knows that he cannot sell it as such, but in the event of a mistake, no alternative is open to him, once the free mills have filled their quotas. It is true that the Wheat Board has been helpful to wheat farmers in general, but there are grave dangers in every scheme in which the element of compulsion appears, and no matter how keenly the members of the Board work in the interests of the producer there will be occasions where individual farmers find themselves at a disadvantage. The miller, of course, demands some measure of protection when he has to come within the scope of a compulsory scheme, but the introduction of restrictions, imposed by legislation, cannot be regarded as sound, and in this matter the consumer feels that, while it may be suggested that he has been protected in years when prices were high, he has had to pay for the protection granted to the industry. When wheat prices are high the producer feels no need for protective legislation, and so the consumer comes to believe that the purpose of the Board is to keep prices up in New Zealand when they are at a much lower level outside of the Dominion. If that is not the purpose of the Wheat Board plan, it is difficult to see any other reason for its existence, and if the price of wheat is kept above world parity the consumer in this country pays for that achievement. It must be admitted, too, that districts in which wheat growing is not the major interest cannot help feeling some concern over the operations of a scheme which gives protection to one district. It cannot be denied that the wheat-growers of Canterbury have been benefited under the Wheat Purchase Board scheme, but there are others who have found it irksome and even a disadvantage. They are entitled to be heard. There are solid j

grounds for objection to any scheme which grants to any section of the community monopolistic powers, even if these be restricted to certain areas, under legislative authority. It is a form of syndicalism that is accepted because its aim is to help primary producers; but there has been quite a lot of evidence to show that legislative interference in Industry is-fraught with serious dangers, and that it results in loss somewhere. When private enterprises build monopolistic organizations they have to be prepared to withstand the challenge of outside competition, but where organizations of the same character are created by legislation and given compulsory powers they are' safe from attack, and can work as they will. There is still much talk of quotas and marketing schemes, but the producer in this country, when he is examining any proposals of this kind, should ask himself how he views the suggestion by the British farmer that New Zealand’s exports to Britain should be diminished compulsorily with a view to securing better returns for the farmer in the Old Country. Compulsion in those circumstances is distasteful to him, and he should remember that when compulsion is presented as an advantage to himself.

The Dominion Meteorologist last night issued the following information: A rather intense westerly depression is advancing from the Tasman on to New Zealand, while an anti-cyclone covers eastern Australia. Winds moderate to strong north-westerly, reaching gale force in places and backing to southerlies within the next 24 hours. Seas in New Zealand waters rough south of Cape Egmont and about Cook and Foveaux Straits. Elsewhere moderate, later rising on the east coast of the South Island. In the eastern Tasman Sea strong northerly winds backing soon to southerlies. Seas rough. Weather becoming cloudy to oyercast and rain developing in most districts, heavy falls being likely on the west coast of the South Island. Temperatures mild, but colder to-morrow.

Charged with bringing milk into the city for consumers otherwise than. in compliance with his City Council’s license, Maurice S. G. Monk was convicted by Mr E. Page, S.M., and fined £lO, states a Wellington Press Association message.

Dunedin’s wealth is proverbial throughout New Zealand. Although many millions are on loan to other districts, a fortune is still lying idle in the city, according, to Mr James Ritchie, who told the shareholders in Amalgamated Kawarau on Wednesday night that a leading solicitor had informed him that he could raise a loan for £4,000,000 in Dunedin, provided the interest was right.

The winning of a competition by the same body for 19 successive years must very nearly constitute a record. The Auckland Sunday School Union’s competition for the best work in Scripture examinations in Sunday schools of over 100 scholars was won this year by the Mount Albert Methodist Sunday school, after the Mount Albert Baptist Sunday school had been successful for 19 years. Originally certificates were awarded, but these were superseded by a banner and later by a shield.

Legal argument was heard in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., in the case in which Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd. (Mr H. J. Macalister) proceeded against Russell Gill (Mr Gordon Reed) on a civil claim for £220 12/9 for a Fordson tractor sold and delivered, for repairs and for interest. The defendant brought a crossaction for £l4B 2/9, made up of £7B 2/9 for cost of repairs, £5O for the estimated cost of putting the tractor in order and £2O for expenses allegedly incurred through the ground not being in proper order by reason of the alleged non-working of the tractor. At the conclusion of the hearing his Worship reserved his decision.

There was an excellent attendance at the St. Andrew’s Band of Hope meeting held in the Sunday School on Saturday, September 30. The meeting was opened with Temperance choruses and Bible-reading. Mr Featherstone told seme very fine stories to the children which proved very interesting. The items were of a very high standard and were given by the following: Recitations, Annie Jenkinson, Bell Blair, Catherine Greenfield, Joan and Andri Nicholson, Harry Jackson and Bertal Feil; songs, Mr Cathcart, Stewart Campbell; duets, Joy Shaw, Iris Grieve, Margaret Race, Bell Blair; hymns, Mavis Eunson, Margaret Freeman, Jean Gordon, Edna Campbell, Nellie Walker, Nan Brumby; Maori War cry, Barney Brumby and party; dialogues, eleven junior girls and senior C.E. members; sketches, Mr Jack Smith and Mr Cliffe Walsh, Andri and Joan Nicholson, Bell Blair; club swining, Mrs Pearn. ■

Some interesting facts in reference to the hydrogenation of bituminous coal were revealed at the World Petroleum Conference recently held in London. In this operation the coal is ground to powder and then mixed with heavy oil. The resultant coal-oil paste is then pumped with hydrogen into chambers at a pressure of approximately 35001 b per square inch, the vessels being maintained at high temperature. Under this treatment the coal decomposes, chemical reaction takes place and a mixture of hydrocarbon oils is produced. This, in brief, is the process that the Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., subsidized by the British Government, now intends to develop on a commercial basis. Under the “1.C.1.” hydrogenation process it is anticipated that 70 tons of petrol will be obtained from every 100 tons of coal treated, but a far greater total consumption of coal is involved—half as much again being needed for heating purposes, etc. It appears that hydrogenated petrol requires little refining, and the process gives complete control over the volatility and knock rating. In addition to petrol, fuel-oil, kerosene and aviation spirit have all been produced under the 1.C.1. process, but lubricating oils have not yet been obtained. Research, however, points towards the likelihood of this being achieved.

The gift of a fine new ambulance, mounted on the chassis of a Daimler motor car, has been presented to the St. John Ambulance Association by Mr F. C. Mappin, of Epsom, states an Auckland Press Association message. A street collection for the Ambulance Association yesterday realized over £7OO.

The monthly meeting of the trustees of the New River Hundred Rabbit Board was held at Waianiwa and was attended by Messrs C. P. Dalrymple (chairman), O. O. Mackley, D. Macpherson, T. Millar and T. McKenzie. The rabbiters’ reports showed that every effort was being made to exterminate the rabbits in the district. It was decided to retain the services of the additional men until the end of November and to order a further supply of poisoned pollard.

“He is to-day New Zealand’s only orator,” said Sir James Parr at Auckland on Tuesday evening, when paying tribute to Mr Frank Milner, of Oamaru, at the public reception tendered to him in the Town Hall. “In New Zealand to-day where are our orators? The art of oratory has decayed,” continued Sir James. He recalled the eloquence of such men as Sir George Grey, Sir Maurice O’Rorke, Sir William Fox and ,Mr Scobie Mackenzie, and said that the only man in New Zealand to-day who approached that standard was their guest.

As H.M.S. Dunedin will be thrown open for inspection on Sunday afternoon the Railway Department is running a special train to Bluff for the benefit of Invercargill people. Particulars are advertised in this issue.—Advt.

All visitors to the Gore races on Labour Day, Monday, October 23, 1933, and district residents are notified in this issue that a grand ball will be held in the Gaiety Hall, Gore, that evening and will act as a fitting climax to the day on the racecourse. As the ever-popular Footwarmers’ Orchestra have been engaged to supply the necessary music a most enjoyable evening’s amusement can be anticipated.— Advt.

It stands above all others. DEWAR’S WHISKY. —Advt. Helene Millinery, Majestic Chambers. Summer Felts from 7/11; Tweed Hats made to order. We remodel.—Advt. Wash tub dress materials, fast colours, 7Jd, 11 Jd and 1/6 a yard. Plain shades HJd, 1/3 and 1/9 at Wicks’ Ltd., Draper, Dee street.—Advt. Children’s cotton washing frocks, some with knickers to match, 14 to 36 inch. Good styles and materials at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee street. — Advt. Special purchase of 480 Mazon Shirts. These Shirts have Collar to match. Usual prices 10/6 to 11/6. Now selling at 6/6, all sizes. Also big range of Boys’ and Men’s Shirts selling cheap at CARTER’S Surplus Stock Sale. See Carter’s advt., front page.— 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.

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.

Whisky and lemons are all very well, but they lack the powerful germicidal properties of Mixture 98, when it comes to curing a cold or influenza. 2/6 bottle, from first class stores. (Advt.) HURRAH! A NEW BOOK BY JOSEPH HOCKING “NOT ONE IN TEN.” 4/-, postage 4d. At the N.Z. BOOK DEPOT, Esk street, Invercargill. (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.

CAMERA CLUB’S COMPETITION' Let STEWART’S PHARMACY make your QUALITY ENLARGEMENTS for this competition. Full particulars of competition obtainable at Stewart’s Pharmacy, Dee St.—Advt. Marvellous Discovery! Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis: In November last year, Canterbury lady (65) was carried into consulting room, completely crippled. After 5 bottles of Tavener’s Arthritis Prescription, she is able to work and walk as she has never done for years. 5 weeks treatment 17/6 Tavener, Chemist, 183 High St., Ch. Ch—- .

New quilts for old! That is exactly what Thomson & Beattie’s “Quilt Remaking Service” means. Quilts are taken apart, the down is sterilized and reconditioned. Half a pound of fresh, good quality down is then added. Plain, moderne.and popular floral downproof sateen covers are made to your personal specifications; any bedroom colour scheme being matched perfectly. Get your old quilt remade; it will be equal to new for the small outlay of 39/6.—Advt.

NOVELTY APPEARS HANDSOME. Something new and different generally has an attraction—for a while. It takes genuine merit to win lasting success and to retain public favour. Baxter’s Lung Preserver is to-day and has been now for many many years by far the best seller, simply because “Baxter’s” “deliver the goods.” “Baxter’s” is unique in its effectiveness, its palatability and its unique tonic properties. All chemists and stores sell “Baxter’s” in 4/6, 2/6 and 1/6 sizes.— Advt.

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 three 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-BROWN, The Chemist. We have no agents, post direct to us. Our prices have been consider.ably reduced,—Advt.