TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 25361, 13 August 1935, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Children and Road Safety. Views on how best to protect children against traffic dangers are being presented by various authorities to the British Committee on Road Safety among school children. At a recent sitting of the Association of Education Committees it was emphasized that all the aids which were introduced in the schools or on the highways could in the main only be directed toward one end—the instilling of a road-danger sense which, by systematic training, would become automatic. It was recommended that the teaching of the principles of “safety first” should be encouraged in all schools, and should not be confined to road dangers, on definite standardized, continuous and systematic lines, especially in the early years. In the majority of cases education authorities favoured incidental training; others insisted upon definite lessons at stated intervals. When schools were equipped with film projectors a great opportunity would arise for demonstrating through the medium of special films the dangers of the highway and how to avoid them.

British Farm Policy. Discussing the marketing schemes of the British Minister of Agriculture, Mr Walter Elliot, The Times argues that these are in the nature of stop-gaps and experiments. But, continues The Times, the really constructive development of policy is still to come. The ‘tariff system foreshadowed must be a low tariff system, and the interim subsidy system must be a small subsidy system, if the country as a whole is not to weary of the task to which it has set its hand. The country would never endure a great increase in food prices, caused by inefficiency and profiteering, or by both, on the part either of producers or of retailers; nor the mulcting of the general taxpayer for the benefit of those who do not deserve assistance. It may well be true that, owing to ineradicable differences in the conditions of production, some British products could never pompete on equal terms with some products from overseas. But that is no reason for not making the difference between the prices at which British and other produce can be sold as small as efficient production and distribution can make it, nor any reason for failing to st'idv how an increase in the consump-

tion of food can steady and expand markets.

How Apples Breathe. In a lecture to the Royal Institution Dr Franklin Kidd, the superintendent of the Low-temperature Station at Cambridge, has described some of the results of the recent fundamental researches into the nature of the changes in fruits that have been stored. Apples are built of tiny cells and honeycombed with fine air channels. The air content of an apple can be demonstrated by putting it in the receiver of a vacuum pump and drawing out the air. If the apple is then frozen and suddenly exposed to the atmosphere again it coilapses like a pricked balloon. The air channels of the apple are the site of the respiration. Oxygen is absorbed and used to support the life of the cells, and carbon dioxide is expired, as in animals. The length of life and the qualities of the apple depend in a degree on this respiratory mechanism. From the detailed knowledge of this mechanism remarkable advances in the technique of storing fruit are to be expected. The gas ethylene stimulates the respiratory mechanism and accelerates ripening. Carbon dioxide depresses this mechanism and prolongs life, and other atmospheres not containing oxygen have similar effects. The progress of this work offers the prospect of a great improvement in controlling the quality, flavour and aroma of stored fruits.

Japanese Shortcoming. Japanese history is sprinkled with examples of a sublime ability to disobey, says Mr Upton Close, in his new book, “Behind the Face of Japan.” He adds that reverence for authority and individual initiative exist in proportion, making a formidable leadership toward world conquest. Here he is open to challenge, remarks Sir Frederick Whyte, writing in the Spectator. If this thesis were true, Japan might indeed emulate Rome and England in Imperial destiny. But, is it true? In the supreme modern test of individual quality in a crisis—namely, in the air —the Japanese fall short. They are capable of great feats of courage, endurance and fortitude. Self-immolation and sacrifice at the bidding of an almost spiritual motive is their second nature; but there are inexorable limits in the Japanese character to this heroic nonconformity, which Mr Close discovers in them, and the true individualist will ask whether the picture he gives of individualist and nonconformist Japan is correctly drawn. This doubt introduces a factor of disconcerting, not to say disabling, uncertainty regarding the future of Japan’s self-appointed mission. Compared with any of the great nations of the modem world Japan has never had to face supreme danger or supreme destiny. When she does, it will be time enough to say that she has the innate power to survive.

Last evening the Dominion Meteorologist issued the following information: The anti-cyclone over New Zealand is now moving slowly eastwards, its centre to-day being east of the North Island; a depression is still located in the south-west Tasman Sea. Forecast: Winds north-easterly to northerly and light to moderate, but gradually freshening. Seas in New Zealnd waters smooth to moderate; later rising south of Cape Egmont and about Cook and Foveaux Straits. Eastern Tasman Sea: Moderate to fresh northerly winds, seas moderate, but rising in the southern half. Weather fair, mild and hazy generally, but cloud gradually increasing, especially in western districts, and later rain developing on the west coast of the South Island and also in the far north and south; foggy on parts of the east coast of the South Island.

Elaborate arrangements are being made for the spring fete in aid of St. Mary’s School funds, which opens in Victoria Hall to-morrow evening and continues till Saturday night. Every taste will be catered for and the general public are advised to attend early and secure the pick of the bargains.

There was a large attendance in the Masonic Hall, Winton, on Friday evening when Mr R. Semple, M.P., delivered an address similar to those given at other centres. Mr Semple was accorded an attentive hearing throughout, while his remarks were punctuated with applause. At the conclusion of the address he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The Mayor, Mr Thomas Walker, presided, and introduced Mr Semple to the audience. At the conclusion of Mr Semple’s address, Mr T. F. Doyle, of Bluff, the Labour candidate for Awarua, also briefly addressed the meeting, and remarked that before long the electors in the district would again have the opportunity of hearing him on the platform.—Winton correspondent.

Bound on a leisurely cruise in the Pacific Islands the yacht Ngataki left. Auckland last Thursday evening manned by her owner, Mr J. W. Wray, and three companions, Messrs A. Colebrook, J. Baxter and A. Mathias. The first stage will be to Sunday Island, in the Kermadecs, and is expected to take about a week. One of the objects of the cruise was to gather material for a book which he proposed to write, Mr Wray said. He had already obtained information on two previous cruises in the Pacific Islands, and that would also be incorporated. On this occasion he proposed to visit the Society Islands, the New Hebrides and a number of isolated islands, which were either uninhabited or had a sparse population. The cruise would end shortly before Christmas.

A goose recently cut off Marton’s supply of electricity for over two hours, caused a serious interruption to the power supply, and was responsible for 42 street lamps being burnt out. The goose flew into the 11,000-volt line at Crofton, protected by fuses at the corner of Pukepapa Road and Mill Street. Apparently the goose short-circuited all three of the 11,000-volt lines. The resulting fault current arced over the fuse carriers and continued up to the main 11,000-volt feeders, one of which was so severely damaged that the line broke and fell on to the P. and T. lines below. A number of telephone lines were broken and telephone fuses blown. The falling 11,000-volt line came in contact with a street lighting wire, and the street lamps burnt out. Mr H. Webb, the Power Board’s engineer, described the incident in his monthly report. Mr Webb, however, in reply to a question, stated that he did not see the goose. “It would certainly be well cooked,” a member remarked.

The W.E.A. literature class held its social at Everybody’s Hall last evening, when Mr I. L. Petrie presided over an exceptionally large attendance. “Jael” and “Just a Little Bit of Life,” both one-act plays, were read; also “Legacies,” a one-act play specially written for the occasion by Mrs. I. H. Thomas, a class member. Each of the plays was well received. Elocutionary, vocal and instrumental items were contributed by Mesdames J. H. Thomas, A. Francis, J. Rowntree and Wiley; Misses A. M. Finlayson, A. Matheson, A. Schmidt, P. L. Hajinah, M. Fell, I. O’Kane, V. Mclntosh and L. McKay and Messrs P. Barlow, G. Swift, M. O’Toole, J. Rowntree, L. L. Robinson, J. A. Pascoe, D. J. Miller and B. Hollander. During the evening Mr S. G. August, on behalf of the class, presented the chairman with an inscribed volume as a memento of his consistent interest in the class. Mr George Swift proposed a vote of thanks to Mr August, class leader, for his enthusiastic and untiring efforts during the session. Others endorsed his remarks. j

The weekly euchre tournament in aid of the Bluff Dominican Convent funds was held in Mr H. W. Campbell s rooms on Saturday night and drew a satisfactory attendance. Mr M. Kelly supervised the play. The winners were: Ladies, Mrs W. Hawke 1, Mrs C. Jackson 2; men, Mr M. Black 1, Mr R. Bryce 2.

Stating that the proposed rail-car services are of a more or less experimental nature, and that any extensions of these services will depend largely upon the support given the new means of transport, Mr G. M. Mackley, General Manager of Railways, replying to representations urging that a night service should be run between Wellington and Hawkes Bay, has promised that the requests contained in correspondence will not be lost sight of when the question of extending the service is under consideration.

On the application of solicitors in the Southland district probates or letters of Administration have been granted in the following deceased persons’ estates by Mr Justice Kennedy: Sarah Mary Levy, of Invercargill, widow (Stout, Lillicrap and Hewat); John McFetridge, of Lumsden, retired merchant (Stout, Lillicrap and Hewat); John Erasmuson, of Bluff, retired carpenter (Imlay and Preston); Mary Holland, of Gore, widow (Mr D. L. Poppelwell, Gore); Emma Jane Shaw, wife of Joseph Shaw, of Orepuki, sawmill hand (Stout, Lillicrap and Hewat).

In Upland road, Wellington, on Friday, a man was run over by a passenger motor-bus, and lived to tell the tale; in fact he was not injured in the slightest. The man was working in a street manhole, the lid of which was propped up to admit light and air. He was about to climb out when he saw a motor-bus coming straight for the hole. He ducked down as the vehicle rumbled to a halt, knocking the manhole cover into position and imprisoning him. The man was speedily released and was found none the worse for his experience.

Working men receiving £4 a week in New Zealand are in a far better position than Sydney workmen who earn the same wages, according to Mr R. M. Adams, who has returned to Christchurch after spending several weeks in Sydney. Mr Adams said .he considered the New Zealander’s living conditions were much to be preferred, for every man receiving £4 a week in Sydney was living in a tenement house in which about a dozen families resided, and where the housewives did their washing on the roof. Altogether New Zealand workmen lived in much healthier surroundings.

A quantity of daffodils is to be sent from Auckland next month for display at a show of the Newcastle Horticultural Society. The scheme originated with the secretary of that society who has arranged for the daffodils to be taken to Sydney in cool storage on the Monterey, leaving Auckland on September 6. By rail from Sydney to Newcastle, the flowers will be kept in a meat van. The daffodils will be the best of those exhibited at the Auckland Horticultural Society's show, which is to be held on the two days before the Monterey sails. Should the experiment prove a success, the Auckland society hopes to be able to arrange for flowers from Newcastle to be shown at the National Flower Show in February.

The concert which was to be held to-morrow on behalf of the Southern Plunket Princess has been unavoidably postponed and ticket-holders may obtain a refund on application to Messrs Boyd and Co., 54 Esk street. —Advt.

In connection with the Southland v. Wanganui Football Match the evening trains from Invercargill to Clinton, Lumsden, Tuatapere and Wairio will be delayed on Saturday next. Particulars are advertised in this issue.— Advt.

A friendly offering. “DEWAR’S WHISKY.”—Advt.

“Beautyform” make of Corsets and Wrap Ons are best value and priced lower. Southland only agents, WICKS, Ltd., Cash Drapers, Invercargill and Gore.—Advt.

Dainty wool Bed Jackets, pink, apricot and sky 9/6. A cheaper quality 3/9 at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee St. —Advt.

Big bargains in every department at Carter’s Celebration Sale to celebrate 35 years of trading and service at Carter’s Clothing Store. 36 Tay street.— Advt.

Use a Butterick Pattern with the helpful “deltor” when making your spring frocks. All Butterick styles are created in Paris and from Thomson and Beattie’s enormous catalogue you can speedily select the style most suited to your type. With the aid of the “deltor,” a chart which describes in minute detail how your frock should be cut out and assembled, dressmaking is no longer a worry. Cross at the Safety Zone for your pattern.—Advt.

STEWART’S HAND EMOLLIENT tor cracked hands, rough hands, dry hands. Soothing and healing. Keeps the skin beautifully soft and pliable. All housewives, gardeners, milkers and anyone with a tendency to dry skin should use this HAND EMOLLIENT. In pots at 2/- from STEWART’S PHARMACY. Dee street.—Advt

To our many customers who bought Fur Coats from us, we would like to remind them that our guarantee covers the following: Removing buttons or ties, new elastic loops, resetting buttons or sewing up slits. This work is done for nothing. We do not charge 5/- as rumour has it. Our workroom staff is at your service at all times. For alt repairs and renovations, give us a trial.—The Mutual Fur Coy, Tay Street. —Advt. ACTUALLY OVERHEARD. Customer (who has just asked for a bottle of Baxter’s Lung Preserver): “I suppose you sell a lot this weather.” Grocer: “Yes, there must be thousands and thousands of bottles sold. You can trust the public to pick out a good thing. They always stick to ‘Baxter’s’.” 1/6, 2/6 and the extra large family size 4/6.