TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 22215, 6 January 1934, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Clouds of Suspicion. Preaching at Dover the Archbishop of Canterbury said men died so that the the world might be saved from the terror and horror of war, but after 15 years the world was full of rumours of war. Clouds of fear and suspicion were gathering, and there was a cloud which no man could disregard rising in that great nation which was our chief enemy then, seeming to show that the old spirit which called forth the war was still among that people. There were feelings of insecurity, doubt and suspicion, and one never knew when that gathering cloud might become a thun-der-cloud and threaten civilisation. It had arrested the progress of disarmament and it might be that the nations would begin to arm again. He added: “Do not let us associate ourselves with this habit which results in the piling up of armaments, which was manifestly one of the chief causes of the disaster which broke over the world 19 years ago.”

Unemployment And Public Health. The influence of prolonged periods of heavy unemployment upon the health of the community is a matter of worldwide importance at the present time. The consequences of enforced idleness naturally vary in proportion to the adequacy of the measures taken to provide for the necessities of the unemployed and of their dependents, but the recently published Annual Report for 1932 of the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health indicates that, so far as England and Wales is concerned, they have not been seriously harmful. The effect of unemployment upon public health may be exercised in various ways, such as through the actual deprivation of an adequate diet, rendering of the worker unfit to resume his former occupation, owing to lack of practice and loss of muscle tone, the impairment of normal

bodily functions through worry and anxiety, and the liability to excessive sickness or incapacity. Close investigation and analysis of these conditions is in many ways very difficult, if not impossible, and the Report maintains that “the surest of all tests of grave results are the mortality returns. Any long sustained physical pressure or stress of serious degree represents itself ultimately in a rise in mortality, particular or general. Here we have a long continuing experience of unemployment gradually becoming more acute until the present time, yet the mortality 'of the country as a whole, with few exceptions, and even of many of the depressed areas themselves, has been uniformly decreasing. Nor have we any evidence of increased morbidity. The mortality rates for England and Wales in 1932 show the same steady and definite decline as we have witnessed in this country since 1921-25. Such mortality rates are end-results of physical impairment and disease. They are quite certain and quite indisputable, for while it is true that much impairment and sickness can occur without ending in death, death is in itself a criterion of finality beyond question.” The conclusion is reached that there is no evidence from mortality in support of exceptional physical deterioration in recent years, owing to social circumstances. Even in those districts where heavy unemployment has prevailed over a prolonged period the public health has been satisfactorily maintained. In fact, a comparison of such an area with one in which unemployment was comparatively light suggested that the improvement in health was more rapid in the former than in the latter.

The Dominion Meteorologist last night issued the following information: —Pressure remains low over the New Zealand area and a cyclonic depression is centred over southeastern Australia. Wind moderate to strong, later decreasing from between north-west and south-west. Seas in New Zealand waters rather rough to rough in the Cook Strait area; otherwise smooth to moderate. In the eastern Tasman light to moderate south-westerly winds, later becoming variable. Seas smooth to moderate. Weather for the most part fair to fine, but isolated local showers. Some thunder likely, especially in the South Island.

The singing competition which the St. Andrews Scottish Society proposes to hold on Thursday, January 25, is intended to promote and deepen the interest in the works of Scotland’s greatest lyric, Robert Burns. Competitors will have a great selection, for within the scope of his songs there is a wide range of human emotion, from the gayest to the gravest, in theme expressing the narrower outlook of the Scottish peasant, but possessing through the genius of the poet a universal appeal which has made them the imperishable heritage of Scottish literature.

An interesting incident in bird life is related by a Rawhitiroa settler who, as a member of the New Zealand Native Birds Protection Society, is a keen advocate of that body’s principles. On his property is a small lake which of recent years has been the sanctuary of numerous wild ducks. Although situated less than a chain from the main highway and adjacent to the homestead, this lake has usually been the haven of as many as 50 wild ducks. An offer of a pair of Egyptian geese from the Auckland zoo was readily accepted, and in due course the newcomers were released. The result was that the wild ducks were forcibly evicted. Two, more daring than their fellows, returned, only to find that their presence was not desired. For several days the geese were in undisputed possession. Since the removal of the geese to another lake on the same property the wild ducks have returned to their sanctuary.

High praise was accorded Misses I. and T. Poole, members of the Canterbury Nunnerley Casket team, by Miss N. Lloyd, manager of the Australian women’s lawn tennis team (says the Christchurch Times). Commenting on the form shown by women players at the tournament, Miss Lloyd said the Misses Poole were the most promising players she had seen in New Zealand for some time. They were young and full of enthusiasm and when they had had more experience they should go a long way. Miss Lloyd said women tennis players in New Zealand were so scattered that it was difficult for them to meet often. A season in Sydney, where there was always opportunity for really good games, would help the Poole sisters a great deal. It was to be hoped that they would have an opportunity to visit Australia with a New Zealand team some time in the future. Miss Lloyd added that she had not had an opportunity of seeing many of the first New Zealand women playing at the tournament, but she had watched Miss Marjorie Macfarlane (Auckland) beat Mrs W. J. Melody and was sure she was playing as well, if not better, than ever.

Tomorrow afternoon the Civic Band will play a programme of popular music in No. 2 Gardens for the entertainment of the visitors to Invercargill by the special train. The band will march to the gardens, leaving the Post Office at 2.30 p.m. Given a fine day citizens and visitors may spend a pleasant hour listening to the band among congenial surroundings.—Advt.

Children’s Pinafores in pretty colours, from 1/6 io 2/11; Silk Soxettes, sizes 2 to 6, 1/3 to 1/10, at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee Street.—Advt. The New Year Spirit. DEWAR’S WHISKY. —Advt. Special bargain in a superior quality Crepe Night Dress, assorted colours and white, 2/6 at Wicks’ Ltd., Cash Drapers, Dee street.—Advt.

For finest results possible and prompt service let us develop and print your holiday snapshots. George I. Moffett, Chemist.—Advt.

Tire London Buyer for Thomson & Beattie, Ltd., was recently fortunate in securing for this firm a sample consignment of Uncrushable Silk Fleurita. This material, ideal for summer wear, is slightly heavier than crepe de chine, and is offered in a 27 in. width at 4/11 per yard. See the patterns of this material, which has arrived in the city six months ahead of time, and is now showing in Thomson & Beattie’s Dress Department.—Advt.

Rheumatism of the Joints (Rheumatoid Arthritis) 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.

FOR BEST RESULTS Let STEWART’S PHARMACY Do Your DEVELOPING AND PRINTING. —Advt.

Great Bargains to be had at Carter’s Make-room Sale. Men’s Overcoats half price, £1 19/-; Men’s Sports Coats half-price, 22/6; Boys’ Singlets, all sizes, lid.; Youths’ Suits, size 3, half-price, £1 15/-, at CARTER’S Make-room Sale. See advt. front page.—Advt.

New Zealand appeared to have enormous potential capacity for the extension of its hydro-electric works, said Mr H. J. Lynch, an English visitor to the Dominion, in an interview at Napier, and it appeared strange to him that New Zealand had not taken advantage of experience gained in other countries, which had investigated and approved the claims of electric traction. Many of the American and Canadian railway systems, he said, had ceased to use the steam locomotive. “I have heard elsewhere the opinions of Professor Hornell, who was in New Zealand to investigate the failure of Arapuni about two years ago,” he added, “and in view of what he said about the electrical resources of this country. I cannot help thinking that your railways are losing a valuable chance in seeking to perpetuate a system of traction (steam) which is rapidly becoming obsolete from many points of view.”

A valuable cow was recently restored safe and sound to its owner, Mr J. Pease, New Plymouth, after an extraordinary adventure. The animal was given up as doomed to die following a fall down a cliff which put her out of reach of human assistance. She has released herself after six months’ imprisonment and now occupies her old position in her owner’s herd. Last August it was found that the cow had fallen over a cliff 60 feet high. She had dropped on to a grassy ledge, about half an acre in extent, 30 feet down the cliff. No means of getting the animal either up or down the cliff could be found, so throughout the winter months she was fed on ensilage thrown over the cliff. Mr Pease believed she was doomed to die. Recently, to Mr Pease’s surprise, the cow came up to the house bellowing. She had scrambled down the remaining 30 feet of cliff, which was almost a sheer drop. Later her new-born calf was hauled up the cliff with a rope by Mr S. Gyde, an employee on the farm. Both cow and calf were in good condition, and are now objects of curious interest on the farm. ALMOST A QUARREL.

For forty years McTavish and his wife had lived placidly together. Not once had they quarrelled. Then one evening McTavish put down his tea cup, and glaring at his wife, demanded, “Do ye want to poison me that ye gie me tea that tastes like varnish?” “No, Sandy, but ye telt me I was to economise so I bought some cheaper tea,” she replied. “Weel, don’t do it again. Keep on getting Tiger Tea. It’s no economy to buy stuff I canna drink. Tiger Tea’s only 2/8 a lb., and it’s worth every penny o’ it.”—Advt.

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.

You have the fun—we’ll do the work! Keep your camera merrily clicking. Bring your films to BROWN’S PHARMACY for printing and developing. We know how to bring out the detail and give you clear, sparkling prints. We use “VELOX” PAPER—made in three grades and three surfaces to suit every need of the amateur photographer. No matter whether you made your snaps late in the afternoon or even in the rain, you can be sure of good “Velox” prints for your album if you bring your films to BROWN’S PHARMACY, 125 Dee Street. Full stocks of cameras, films and supplies.—Advt. IT CAN’T BE DONE Expecting a summer cough to go away when you don’t bother to treat it the right way is just asking for trouble. Summer coughs are stubborn things and take a lot of shifting. But none are too stubborn once you get’on the job with Baxter’s Lung Preserver. “Baxter’s” gets right to the cause of the trouble—cuts the phlegm, clears away congestion and drives the cold completely out of the system. “Baxter’s” is also undoubtedly the best for sore throats, huskiness, influenza, bronchitis, asthma, and kindred ailments. It has splendid tonic properties also. 1/6, 2/6, and 4/6, all chemists and stores. Be sure you get “BAXTER’S.” —Advt