TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 22201, 19 December 1933, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Europe Finding Herself. Addressing the Birmingham Rotary Club, Mr L. S. Amery, M.P., said that from the point of view of his own home politics Herr Hitler’s action had heen a master stroke of strategy. _ He had secured an election, or plebiscite, on the one ground on which he would carry the whole of Germany with him. No doubt Herr Hitler’s dramatic performance would create alarm for a while. But he believed that it. would not interrupt for long—if it did not actually promote—the process of European consolidation which had been going on for same time. Europe was finding herself. She was coming together not on some reach-me-down plan concocted at Geneva, but step by step, nation by nation, group by group, by a natural process, inspired by new principles of co-operation and by new ideas and impelled by the practical urge of the actual circumstances which confronted her. Such being the situation what should be the attitude of British policy toward it? The first thing was to bury, as decently as possible, both the Disarmament Conference and the MacDonald scheme, not because the British did not desire disarmament, but because the method of cut and dried schemes was the wrong one. As for taking forcible action to stop Germany rearming, that would only make matters worse. It would be enough, by encouraging the rest of Europe to draw closer together, to let Germany know that by no amount, of rearmament could she regain a position in which she could overthrow the Varsailles settlement. There was some element of truth in Herr Hitler’s continued assertion that Germany cared more for the right to rearm than for its unlimited exercise. Personally he would not despair of .the hope that if Germany were sensibly handled—and for that purpose the Quadruple Alliance might still prove very useful—she might yet ultimately find her own place, and the fullest scope for the gifts of the great German race, in a reconstituted Europe.

Landmark of Ottawa. Britain’s best contribution to the reorganization of Europe would be on the economic side, continued Mr Amery. What the nations of Europe were groping after was some system of mutual preference, such as the British nations had established at Ottawa. They had hardly realized themselves what a landmark Ottawa had been in the reshaping of the world. The nations of Europe knew it, and were increasingly looking for their salvation to a similar policy. Unfortunately, they were held up at every turn by the most-favoured nation clause in their commercial treaties, a clause which once also stood in the way of Empire preference until Britain denounced its application to the Empire in 1898. So far Britain had been the principal obstacle to getting rid of the clause, or modifying its application to European countries which wished to co-operate economically as well as politically. If only Sir John Simon could overcome Mr Runciman’s partiality for that clause—which, incidentally, also prevented Britain making any commercial treaties really worth having—he would do far more for the future peace of Europe than by any speeches, however logically convincing, that he might make at Geneva. For the rest, the more Britain left Europe to herself the better. He believed it was true of Europe, as was once said of Italy: “fara da se,” she will work out her own salvation. They had to honour their treaty obligations. But Britain should avoid increasing their commitments or entangling themselves deeper in European affairs.

In the Police Court yesterday, before Mr E. C. Lewey, S.M., Andrew .Kilkerr (Winton) was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for the disobedience of a maintenance order, the warrant to be suspended on payment of 20/- a week. Wesley Withers was sentenced to a like term for a similar offence, the defendant to be released on payment of all arrears to date. A .similar sentence was imposed in the case of Charles Hughes (Gore), the.defendant to be likewise released on payment of all arrears to date.

The Dominion Meteorologist last night issued the following information: The depression responsible for the recent widespread rains is passing eastwards and an anti-cyclone is advancing towards the Dominion. Winds westerly at first north of Cape Egmont and Napier, otherwise southerly prevailing. Moderate but freshening somewhat. Seas in New Zealand waters rough on the west coast of the North Island and rising south of East Cape. Elsewhere moderate. In the eastern Tasman Sea moderate to strong but decreasing southerly winds. Seas rough with heavy southerly swell, but gradually moderating. Weather cool and changeable. Some scattered rain in most districts. Becoming fair to fine soon in western districts. Improving gradually elsewhere.

The success of the Teachers’ Summer School to be held at Stewart Island from January 16 to 26 is assured. In fact the enrolments are already so heavy that any who desire to book as a party will have to apply to the secretary immediately or it will be impossible to arrange for accommodation on a party basis.

When Bishop West-Watson entered the gymnasium of the Cathedral Grammar School in Christchurch the other evening to take part in the annual prize-giving ceremony, and hand the awards to the successful boys, he was accorded a welcome in Latin by the captain of the school. The bishop, not to be outdone, replied with ease in the same language, and both speakers were heartily applauded. Later in the evening the chairman (Dean Julius) remarked that there was one prize missing from the list. It should be, he said, fo: the parent who could translate the bishop’s reply on the spot! (Laughter.)

“If people living in the towns were aske*l to provide free board and lodging for school teachers there would be an immediate outcry,” said a member of the Auckland Education Board at the meeting last week. It was stated that the broad principle was that in small country districts free board and lodging should be arranged, but that in the present difficult times some country people could not afford to do that. The discussion arose when a teacher wrote stating that it was costing him £1 per week board, and asking if the board could assist him. It was decided to get in touch with the commissioner in the matter to see if some contribution could be made towards the teacher’s lodging expenses.

Christmas variety. Chocolate toys. Eskimo pie, ice cream, soda fountain drinks, toffees and candies etc., all at Ayson’s two shops, 5 and 72 Dee street. —Advt.

Silk Locknit Bloomers and Vests 2/6, 2/11 and 3/11; pyjamas 8/11; nightdresses 7/6; underskirts 5/11. These make useful gifts. Wicks’ Ltd., Cash Drapers, Dee street.—Advt.

An appreciated Christmas gift is Lavender Water. We stock only the best makes, from 1/- to 17/6 per bottle. G. I. Moffett, Chemist.—Advt.

Gifts for the wee tots: Pinafores, rompers, bonnets, bootees, bib feeders, sox, shoettes, silk jackets, silk suits, dresses, pilchers etc. at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee street.—Advt.

THE INEVITABLE SOFTWOOD FAMINE. “New Zealand,” said Mr R. St. Barbe Baker, a forestry expert of international experience, “should concentrate on afforestation with all the resources it can muster, in order to take advantage of the shortage in forest products, particularly paper, which lies ahead,” In view of the inevitable forthcoming famine in softwoods, and of their shortage in America, U.S.A, would be looking to New Zealand as a source of supply in a few years from now. It is anticipated that realization of the forests established by N.Z. Perpetual Forests, Ltd., will commence in approximately six years, and very satisfactory profits should be obtained.—Advt.

Large selection of Christmas gifts. Real quality goods at very low prices at Carter’s Christmas Suit Sale. Initial handkerchiefs 1/-, anti-crease ties 2/6, fancy socks 1/6 and 2/6; men’s white canoe shirts 5/6. See Carter’s advertisement front page.—Advt

BATH SALTS as a gift are always appreciated. Those offered at BROWN’S, The Chemist, are exclusive but not expensive. BROWN’S PHARMACY, where the good Toilet gifts are. —Advt.

Rheumatism of the Joints (Rheumatoid Arthritic) is curable. If your joints have a tendancy to become creaky or stiff, don’t neglect Nature’s warning. 1500 sufferers claim that Tavener’s Arthritis Prescription has given them free use of joints again. Write Tavener, Arthritis Specialist, 183 High St. Ch. Ch. —Advt.

Follow the old custom, give good gifts. The variety of dainty Toilet Articles at BROWN’S, The Chemist, is so great that a visit is well repaid. BROWN’S PHARMACY, where the good Toilet gifts are.—Advt

Gifts for the man of a quality that only Thomson and Beattie’s “Man’s Shop” can offer. Linen Hemstitched Handkerchiefs 1/11, 2/3, 2/6 each. Tie Press, 4/6 to 10/6. Men’s high class Shirts, in white or fancy striped, with collars to match, 6/11 to 12/6. Ties by New Zealand’s leading manufacturers, including the new anti-crease, from 2/6. Call and choose gifts that your men friends will appreciate.—Advt.

EAU DE COLOGNE is just as popular as ever, and should always be on the list of gifts. Those at BROWN’S. The Chemist, are selected for quality. BROWN’S PHARMACY, 125 Dee St, where the good Toilet gifts are.

1500 Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers cannot be wrong; creaky, swollen inflamed, stiff and painful joints restored to normal. Write for Free Book which describes how you, too, may be relieved of your aches and pains. Tavener, Arthritis Specialist, 183 High St. Ch. Ch. 5 weeks treatment 17/6 posted.—Advt. IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS. BOX BROWNIE CAMERAS. Better than toys for girls and boys. Give pleasure on Christmas morning and through all the days to come. AND LOOK at the NEW LOW PRICES! NO. 2 in black and colours, 10/9; NO. 2 PORTRAIT in black and colours, 11/6; NO. 2A in black and colours, 13/9. Stewart’s Pharmacy, comer Dee and Don streets.—Advt. PERFUME and SOAP daintily packed for presentation purposes can be obtained at BROWN’S, The Chemist. These are all carefully selected from the finest products. Obtainable at BROWN’S PHARMACY, where the good Toilet gifts are.—Advt. SHE KNEW. He: "I haven’t.” She: “You have.” He: “I have not.” She: “I say you have”—and then he sneezed. She: “There I told you, you are getting a cold, and what’s more you’re going to get busy right now with Baxter’s Lung Preserver. You don’t want that cold to keep on* like the last one.” Insist on “Baxter’s”, 1/6, 2/6 and 4/6 everywhere.—Advt.