TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 22295, 10 April 1934, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

American Experiment. “It would be unwise to form hasty conclusions about the progress of events in America,” said Sir Robert Horne upon his return to England from a visit to aCnada and the United States. “I am of opinion that in a country like Great-Britain, dependent for its success upon its ability to sell in external markets manufactured goods in competition with the cheapest producers of other nations, the provisions of the National Recovery Act, which inevitably raise costs, would be disastrous, but this is not to say that America, with its vast enclosed market, may not make them work, especially if they are modified as the result of experience in ways that are already being suggested. In any case, the well-being of the United States forms so large a factor in world economy that everybody will watch with intense interest the progress of the greatest and in some respects the most startling enterprise which any Government has undertaken.”

Empire Migration. During the past few years, Empire migration has necessarily been at a standstill says The Times. The movement of population has been, if anything, in the contrary direction. Almost the only organizations which have been able to continue their activity have been such bodies as the Fairbridge Farm School in Western Australia and the Barnardo Homes. These both do excellent work, sending out migrants at an age when it is easy for them to become acclimatized to their new life and their new surroundings. But the scale of their operations is very small. Conditions, however, are now beginning to improve. Both in Great Britain and in the Dominions there has been a revival of activity and of confidence in the future. It is true, of course, that when the dominions become prosperous again settlers will make their way out to them of their own accord, at their own expense and at their own risk; and that is by far the best form of migration. But without Government encouragement it will not be enough to give Great Britain the needed relief, or the Dominions the additional manpower and the security which they require. Undoubtedly there are difficulties in the way. Settlers in these days,, especially perhaps Government-aided settlers, seem less willing to face the privations, the discomforts and. the isolation which were the price paid by the earlier pioneers for their opportunities; and they are probably confirmed in this reluctance by the high standard of living set up in the Dominions by the descendants of those pioneers. And another great difficulty is finance; but it should not be an insuperable difficulty, since, indirectly at all events, a well-organized scheme of migration would be one of the most profitable investments to which the Empire Governments could devote their resources. It is high time that the whole subject was taken up afresh.

Policing the Empire. General Sir Archibald MontgomeryMassingberd Chief of the Imperial General Staff, presided at the first of a course of lectures in military studies given at King’s College, University of London. Those who realized what Britain’s liabilities were would realize also that the War Office was faced with an extraordinarily difficult nroblem, considering the financial state of the country, he said. The amount of money that could be spared for the military forces was very limited. Their major problems were the policing of the Empire, the manning of the naval bases toward the East on which the Navy must depend for any action it took in the Pacific, and the necessity for making some preparations, however _ distant, f. : intervention on the Continent of Europe if Britain were called on to implement the commitments we had entered into by the Locarno Treaty and other pacts. With regard to policing the Empire, when application was made to the War Office tor a battalion to be sent to Shanghai, it was found that neither India nor Egypt had a battalion to spare, and, finally, a Guards battalion was sent to the Sudan to release another battalion going to India, which was diverted to China. That showed how very narrow a margin they had. He did not think people realized how much more policing they had to do in the Empire since the war. There had hardly been a single year since 1918 in which they had not been implicated in a mutiny, a rising, or some form of agression. They were policing the Empire on the barest margin. Major-General Sir Hugh Elies, in the course of his lecture, referred to the Locarno Treaty as one which dotted the big i’s and crossed the big t’s so far as this country’s commitments were concerned. He said there had been an agitation to abrogate that treaty, or, to put it quite bluntly, to “rat.” A proposal of that, sort was of great interest to the professional soldier, because if they could abrogate one treaty they might repudiate another. If, for example, our credit were called in question in the Pacific, India, and Egypt, there would be many hot chestnuts to pull out of the fire. In connection with the Locarno Treaty the professional soldier could not dismiss, the contingency of military action with or against a first-class military power.

Last evening the Dominion Meteorologist issued the following information: A rather vigorous westerly depression is crossing the Dominion to-day, while an intense anti-cyclone is moving from Australia on io the western Tasman. Forecast: Winds: Moderate to strong, northerly at first north of Greymouth and Akaroa, southerlies thence southwards, and becoming general within the next 24 hours. Seas: New Zealand waters rough south of Cape Egmont and Castlepoint, elsewhere moderate. Eastern Tasman moderate to strong southwesterly to southerly winds: rough seas. Weather changeable and unsettled, with rain in most districts; snow likely on some of the ranges, and hail on parts of the South Island coast. Temperatures becoming colder.

At last night’s meeting of the Gore Borough Council permission was granted to the Gore Returned Soldiers’ Association to sell poppies in Gore on Saturday, April 21.

During the month of March 17 cows, 103 bullocks and heifers, 259 sheep and 36 lambs were slaughtered at the Gore abattoir, according to a report received by the Gore Borough Council last night. One bullock and two sheep were partially condemned.

The condition of Mrs Ellen Moorhouse, aged 69, who was admitted to the Southland Hospital on Sunday evening following serious injuries received when she was knocked down by a motor car, was reported to be much about the same at a late hour last night.

The Salvation Army Citadel was well filled last night when the Civic Band provided a high-class varied programme in connection with the harvest celebrations. The band was assisted by some well-known concert performers and the items were all warmly applauded. A splendid array of produce was arranged and the hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion.

In a letter received at the monthly meeting of the Southland Motor Association last evening Constable E. E. Stewart, of Auckland, who, it will be remembered, was severely injured last September when he was knocked from the side of a moving motor car by the man who had stolen it, wrote expressing appreciation of the donation made to him by the association. “You will be surprised' to know that I am still very much a cripple and am still unable to use crutches,” the constable went on. “The bone in my leg has not yet started to knit. However, I believe it is just a matter of time and I will again be looking for car thieves (one in particular).” A ripple of laughter from the members present indicated that the constable’s witty concluding observation did not go unappreciated. Last few days of Sale. Winter Vests and Hose at genuine Reduced Prices. Come along to Wicks Ltd., Cash Drapers, Dee Street. —Advt. Ring 1446 for first grade Coal and dry Firewood at moderate prices. H. T. Fairbairn, 101 Nith Street. Yard, 142 Earn Street.—Advt. Special line of Knickers in good quality twill wincyette; cream and colours. Women’s and O.S. All at 1/9 at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee Street. —Advt. SHOCKING STATE OF DEFORMITY. Masterton Lady 70 years of age walks again, also enjoys good health, after being helplessly confined to. bed for two years through the agonizing tortures of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. (Rheumatism of the joints). Fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, jaws, hips, knees, ankles and toes were swollen, twisted, deformed, shockingly painful to move and positively useless YOU—can be relieved of your condition, too. Send for free book on complete treatment to Tavener M.P.S. Ph. C, RHEUMATISM SPECIALIST AND CHEMIST, 183 High St., Christchurch (five weeks treatment 17/6). —Advt. Smart Trench Coats, having the appearance of tweed, yet . thoroughly water-proofed, are offered in Thomson & Beattie’s “Man’s Shop.” The coals are in belted styles, fitted with slit pockets and raglan sleeves, and are offered in shades of grey and fawn. They are fleece-lined throughout, and offer the finest possible protection from winter showers. See them to-day. Price at only 47/6. —Advt. When all else fails take 98, from first class stores 2/6.—Advt.

An illustration of the unusual season that has been experienced in Ormondville, Hawkes Bay) this year is given by the fact that in some cases apple trees are flowering for a second crop.

“I see you have a wave in your hair,” remarked a Christchurch barber to a Sun reporter. “Is it natural? No, it’s quite all right, sir, no offence. Don’t get up. Please sit down, sir, and I’ll explain.” The explanation added to the reporter’s knowledge. There are men in Christchurch who have their hair permanently waved; others who attend at a hairdresser every few weeks for a marcelle wave.

The absence of rain in the. Whangarei district is causing anxiety to farmers. Before the fall of about half an inch at the beginning of last week rain had not been recorded for 24 days. Farmers who are not fully stocked are not so seriously affected, as they have spare paddocks to draw upon. Feed is so short in some localities, however, that farmers are already using ensilage. The supply of milk is rapidly diminishing, and the falling off is stated to be much greater than at this time last year.

The W.E.A. literature class commenced its 1934 session at Everybody’s Hall, last evening when there was a representative attendance. The chair was occupied by Mr I, L. Petrie who said he looked forward to a successful season. Readings from seven one-act New Zealand plays (1934) were given by special permission of the publishers. These included: “God made two Trees,” (lima M. Levy) and “Flickering Light” (Ethel M. Madeley). Mrs Silversides referred to the excellent quality of the plays and commended their crisp dialogue. Those who took part were Mrs Fisher, Misses L. McKay, P. L. Hannah and V. Mclntosh. Messrs P. Barlow and G. Swift. Mr S. G. August said that although playreading would account for the chief part of the programme, several lectures would also be given. Next Monday the reading of New Zealand plays would be continued. For Influenza—Take no risks, take 98, 2/6, from first class stores. —Advt. No rise! Prices of newest leather overcoats and tweed overcoats at absolutely old prices. Never again will prices and qualities be so good. Also the newest suits for Easter. All reduced at Carter’s Make Room Sale—Advt. AFTER INFLUENZA. You will need a pick me up. STEWART’S VIGOR TONIC Will quickly give you Health, Strength and Energy. 2/6 and 4/6 per bottle. STEWART’S PHARMACY. Dee Street. —Advt. A MOST SERVICEABLE TIMBER. In an article on the properties and uses of Insignis Pine, Mr C. E. Dickson, M.Sc., New Zealand State Forest Service, states: “Insignis Pine is an extremely valuable soft wood with a wide diversity of uses. It will probably find a wide use for farm purposes,_ mine timbers, and outdoor construction in “Insignis Pine may be reduced by the Mechanical, Sulphite and Sulphate Processes to yield pulps of fairly high grade suitable for the production of newsprint, printings, wrappings and boards. It is for this purpose that the large tracts of forests have been established by N.Z. Perpetual Forests, Ltd.—Advt. Jack: Where are you going this weekend ? . , Jill: To bed probably, if this cold doesn’t go away soon. I’m one of the unlucky sort who get heavy chest coughs, keep them for monies, loose strength and take months to get fit again. Those are the colds that need ter’s Lung Preserver most of all. “Baxter’s” clears the cold right out of the system. It has excellent tonic properties that build strength and resistance. “Baxter’s” has no equal. 1/6, 2/6 and 4/6 sizes at all chemists and stores.— Advt. DON’T SUFFER WITH YOUR EYES. Don’t neglect any slight, symptoms of eye trouble, it can easily develop into serious complaints. If you have a cold in the eye—a prevalent complaint this time of the year—if your eyes water, if they get waxed-up in the mornings, if they itch, ache or burn, if they are red and bloodshot ... if your eyes feel tired after the cinema or reading, OPTRINE will bring quick relief and, if used regularly, will effectively put an end to the trouble. And because of its antiseptic properties, OPTRINE will safeguard your eyes from further trouble . . . and it will tone up, strengthen and beautify your eyes at the same time. Price 3/- per bottle, GEO. H. BROWN, Chemist, 125 Dee street. —Advt. JPor stubborn colds and coughs take 98. All first class stores 2/6. —Advt, <