TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 25310, 13 June 1935, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Young German Athletes. For the last three years the athletic team for the Schloss Schule at Salem, the famous German school of which Herr Kurt Hahn was formerly headmaster, have been conspicuous figures at the annual public schools sports meeting organized by the London Athletic Club. A London correspondent notes that they stand out, not only by reason of their great skill at three events (throwing the discus and javelin and putting the weight), but because they differ so completely in appearance from all the other competitors. Almost without exception these German boys are sturdy and broad, with smoothly but heavily muscled legs. If one did not know who they were one would write them down unhesitatingly as Scandinavians. They are of the bodily type produced by physical culture, and every one of them is deeply sunburned; as though he spent much of his time out of doors. They do not look like runners even when they run, and in fact the English boys, quick and wiry, fined down to racing machines, are far too good for them. But the Germans get more than their own back in the throwing events, which demand at once a big muscular development and a high degree of control over it. Their allround physical education is clearly a good deal more efficient than the British. “Last Post” at Ypres. Soon after the Menin Gate had been completed by the Imperial War Graves Commission, representing all parts of the Empire, and opened on July 24, 1927, some of the leading citizens of Ypres, headed by the chief commissioner of police, inaugurated a fund to pay buglers of the Ypres Fire Brigade a small sum to undertake the duty of sounding the British “Last Post” there every evening in all weathers throughout the year. Since then every night, at 8 p.m. in the winter and 9 p.m. during summer time, this moving ceremony has been beautifully carried out. During the summer it is attended by thousands of visitors, and there is hardly a night, even throughout the winter, when there are not some local residents and a few visitors present. All carry away with them a lasting impression of this friendly gesture. Until recently, except for a few small amounts contributed from time to time by visitors to Ypres and other friends, the necessary funds have been provided by the citizens of Ypres. A year or so ago, however, the Council of the British Legion for the County of Surrey conceived the idea of providing sufficient capital to ensure the perpetuation of this ceremony, feeling that no risk should be run by having to depend only on local funds. They were successful in raising a sum of money which, together with the money already in hand, is sufficient to ensure this perpetuation. a ■ •

Japanese Farmer’s Budget. The straits in which Japan’s primary producers find themselves are discussed by Mr Allington Kennard in the Contemporary Review. Even in a land of cheap living, he writes, the Japanese farmer’s budget makes extraordinaryreading. At the last sitting of the Diet a group of angry farmers, who presented petitions requesting relief, revealed that the average income for the 6,000,000 farming families is 120 yen a year. At par rates of exchange—the fairest computation, since the cost of living has not been affected by the fall of the yen—that represents £l2 a year for a family of five. For purposes of comparison it may be noted that the average wage paid in the cotton mills works out at a little over £26 a year. The farmer’s £l2 is net income, after meeting interest charges on the enormous mountain of debt which is slowly suffocating agriculture. It is the fall in the price of his produce which is the primary cause of the farmer’s distress, but the burden of debt is a very close second, and by a cumulative process it would eventually have precipitated a crisis, even had the Government’s efforts to bolster prices been successful. For years the farmer has been getting slowly into the grip of the moneylender, until to-day his total indebtedness is £600,000,000. It is the huge fall in the value of silk exports—and consequently in the farmer’s earnings—which is creating so much perturbation. Any interruption of foreign trade will be calamitous. Two million bankrupt sericulturists (silk-growers), unabsorbable in alternative occupations, offer an equally dire prospect. Unless silk prices rise these two million are certainly heading for bankruptcy, and the only hope of a price rise rests on demand on the other side of the Pacific. A very slender hope indeed. Yet much depends on it.

Last evening the Dominion Meteorologist issued the following information:—The last of the recent depres sions is passing away eastward and a rather intense anti-cyclone is advancing across the Tasman Sea. Forecast: Winds moderate to strong south-west to southerly, still of gale force at times in exposed positions, but decreasing tomorrow except on parts of the east coast. Seas in New Zealand waters rough generally, but decreasing south of Farewell Spit. Eastern Tasman Sea: Strong southerly winds and rough seas, but conditions gradually moderating. Weather fine in western districts of the South Island; elsewhere still changeable, with passing sharp showers at times and hail in places. Temperatures cold, with some hard frosts; light snow still possible in the south.

A party of Polish-Jew orphans under the care of Mr R. Wysocki arrived yesterday by the Rotorua from London, states a Wellington Press Association message. It is understood they are to live in Wellington.

The annual dance given by the employees of Ocean Beach is to be held to-night in the large cooling room at the works. This function is always well attended, and has proved to be among the most successful social events of the year.

Expressing the view that what accused needed was reformative detention, but extending probation with the hope that he would take advantage of it, Mr Mosley, S.M., admitted George Frederick Edwards to two years’ probation. Edwards, aged 21, a butcher, pleaded guilty to a number of thefts from motor cars extending over eight or nine months. The articles totalled a value of nearly £26.—Wellington Press Association message.

A meeting of ratepayers of the Waihopai river district between Elies road and Kennington convened by Mr A. S. McNaught was held in the Myross School last night to discuss ways and means for straightening and deepening the Waihopai river. There was a very small attendance, and it was decided after discussion on the costs of various schemes to adhere to the previous resolution passed at a meeting convened 15 months ago, that the whole matter be held over for two years.

“British members of Parliament are not so well looked after as those in New Zealand,” said Mr lan Donnelly, in speaking of British politics at Christchurch. He said they were not provided with desks, and had to sit on benches, taking notes as best they could. The social amenities, however, were equally as good as they were here. Another thing that struck Mr Donnelly was the policemen in the corridors of the House. They made a point of knowing every member, old or new, within a week or so of the opening of Parliament.

The interesting fact that portions of some plantations, and in some instances the whole of the plantation, had been destroyed by earthquakes in 1931, tearing the roots of the well-grown trees when the earth movements took place, was mentioned by Mr J. H. Absolum at the meeting of the Hawkes Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society last week when afforestation was under discussion. “Well, that clears up a thing that has been puzzling me for some time,” declared the chairman (Mr J. H. Macniven), who said that a whole plantation of his on a hillside was dying out and he had been unable to account for the fact.

A prelude, by quoting several biblical messages in support of answer to sincere prayer, was adopted as a departure from the usual course by the Evan. Suptd. (Mrs Richards) to open the South Branch, W.C.T. Union on Tuesday afternoon in Grace Street Hall. Despite the inclement weather a fair attendance gathered to hear an address on the proverb “Seeing is believing,” by the Rev. E. B. Chambers, who, reversing the wording to “believing is seeing,” so handled his subject by deep argument and clear illustration that convincing proof was given that the proverb “seeing is believing,” is a very narrow vision, and cannot be accepted as consistent, whereas belief, if strong and firm, leads on to realization:—lnstance, Wilberforce believed absolutely in the abolition of slavery, and believing in it, worked Bard for it, and saw it come to pass. The stronger the belief the sooner shall we see. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker for his fine address, and by special request to sing, he responded courteously and willingly and rendered a very artistic and appropriate solo.

Attention is drawn to the Army Stores advertisement on page 3 in which they advertise many lines suitable for the farming community.— Advt.

Children’s Cloth coats 16 to 39 inch 11/6 to 45/-. Navy velour coats 22 to 39 inch 28/6 to 37/6 at MISS NOBLES, ■The Baby Shop, Dee Street.—Advt.

Made in New Zealand, Children’s All Wool Knitted Bloomers, size 1 for 2/6, size 4 3/3. Wicks’ Ltd., Cash Drapers, Dee street. —Advt.

Newest Suits and Overcoats at big reductions at Carter's Rebuilding Sale. All makes of Blankets at Bargain prices. Stock has to go to make room for builders. (Advt.)

Warm woollen jumpers and cardigans are being cleared at sacrifice prices by THOMSON AND BEATTIE during Stocktaking Period: 5/-„ 7/6, 10/6, 19/6 buys winter comfort that would cost double in the ordinary way. See these woollens displayed in the showroom.— Advt.

For WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY. Make sure of GOOD NEGATIVES by using only the better fiIms—SELOCHROME, VERICHRCME OR ISOCHROME—then make sure of GOOD PICTURES by leaving your films at STEWART’S PHARMACY for DEVELOPING and PRINTING.-Advt.

Reading .and travelling, the fumes and germ-laden atmosphere of townlife, the cinema, the constant irritation of tobacco smoke—all these take a heavy toll of your eyes. Is it any wonder that they often feel dull, hot and heavy, that they get inflame.d, and water easily, that eye headaches are so frequent. You ’ can relieve these troubles with OPTRINE. This safe and gentle tonic lotion cleanses the eyes of all impurities, soothes away soreness and irritation, and keeps your eyes clear, alert and vigorously healthy. 3/- per bottle, GEO. H. BROWN, Dispensing Chemist, 125 Dee Street—Advt.

Fur collars for winter coats in all the latest styles are now showing in our windows at prices that will suit' your purse, in all shades of Northern American opossum (not southern) that will give you every satisfaction. The wearing quality of northern opossum is outstanding and our prices for these goods are the lowest in the trade. The Mutual Fur Co., Tay street.—Advt. NOT A HERO. The person who goes about bravely ignoring a cough or slight influenza cold is a menace rather than a hero. He is endangering the health of others. The sooner he gets busy' with Baxter’s Lung Preserver the better for everyone. Kills the cold quickly. “Baxter’s” is quick, safe and sure, and has splendid tonic properties. Three sizes, 1/6 2/6 and 4/6. —Advt.