The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. “Luceo Non Uro." TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1935. CITY FOOTPATHS

Southland Times, Issue 25367, 20 August 1935, Page 6

The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. “Luceo Non Uro." TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1935. CITY FOOTPATHS

The news that arrangements have been completed by which the Unemployment Board will subsidize the City Council’s proposed expenditure on repairing and reconstructing footpaths should give cause for satisfactionThe condition of the city footpaths has for a long time received a full measure of publicity, and there have been frequent promises from Councils and Councillors that the footpaths would be properly dealt with. The City Engineer has been requested to furnish reports on various aspects of the subject and much discussion, often irrelevant to the real question, has been indulged in. There are in Invercargill approximately 100 miles of paved footpaths, and, although the policies of recent councils have resulted in all paths being deprived of the periodical surface spraying they require to | preserve them, a major proportion of the footpaths give little cause for complaint. In a number of streets, however, the paths have reached a condition in which they are quite beyond repair; and it is these which have justifiably given rise to criticism. It is natural that regular users of these really bad paths should form a wrong impression of the condition of the other footpaths in the city and indulge in sweeping generalizations which are unwarranted. On the other hand it is most desirable that paths which are in a hopeless state of disrepair should speedily be made as durable and serviceable as available funds permit. The assistance from the Unemployment Board, it has been announced, will enable the Council to spend £21,000 on footpaths in the next two years, at the end of which period Invercargill should, if the money is properly used, compare very favourably with other centres so far as its paths are concerned. But in the expenditure of this relatively large sum the Council should proceed on sound lines and adopt a definite policy. It would not be cut of place to mention here some of the reasons why the old paths have been unsatisfactory. The principal causes of breakage have been irregular sinking over soft or built-up ground, destruction by wheeled traffic wrongfully using the footpath, and—chief of all—the lack of solid kerbing. Where the footpath is of earth without any unyielding lateral support, such as is provided by a kerbing, the outer edge is worn away and the outer side of the asphalted strip of pavement sags. This in course of time leads to the paved strip assuming a “hogbacked” outline which causes so much trouble and complaint and which in frosty weather is so dangerous. Unless this condition is remedied new paths will in all probability only go the way of the old. In making new paths the Council will do well to ensure that the first consideration is soundness of construction. The cheap article is usually the dearest in the long run. A good path or street can, if its foundation be sound, always have its surface brought to a higher standard when circumstances are suitable, but a good surface can never be a lasting success if built on a poor base; and it cannot be improved without first rebuilding. These facts are not known only to engineers; they should come within the ken of councillors. Into the discussions of the City Council there has frequently been introduced an argument about the merits of the various surface materials, tar or bitumen. The Council’s desire to use its local product is understandable, but should not be allowed to obscure the fact that it is the best material for the work, regarded from all points of view, including financial economy, that should be considered- In the footpath construction that has been recently undertaken there has often been mention of the Council’s “policy” of footpath construction but it would be difficult to’ say what this policy really is- It is to be hoped that before the programme now planned is commenced the Council will definitely state its line of action and will not thereafter depart from it without sound reason.

A statutory first offender for drunkenness was convicted and fined the amount of his bail, 10/-, in the City Police Court before Mr W. H. Freeman, S.M., yesterday.

Last evening the Dominion Meteorologist issued the following information: Barometers are rising over the Dominion, with the departure eastwards of the’ recent series of intense westerly depressions; an anti-cyclone covers eastern Australia and the western Tasman Sea. Forecast: Winds moderate to strong westerly to south-westerly, of gale force in places, but southerlies soon becoming general. Seas in New Zealand waters rough to high on the east coast and north of East Cape, and moderate but rising south of East Cape. Eastern Tasman Sea: Strong southwest to south winds to gales; rough to high seas. Weather cold, changeable and squally, with showers in most districts, hail on parts of the coast and snow on some of the ranges,

Saturday night’s euchre tournament, held in Mr H. W. Campbell’s rooms, Bluff, in aid of the local Dominican Convent funds, was well attended. The winners were: Ladies, Mrs A. Gilson, sen., 1; Mrs Gilson, jun., 2; men, Mr E. Kelly 1, Mr C. Ball 2. The play was supervised by Mr L. Mortimer.

Lest any stigma of wrongfully disclosing the result of the ballot for the selection of a Labour candidate for Invercargill should attach to the returning officer or the two scrutineers, the Southland Times wishes to state that the information published in Saturday’s issue that Mr W. M. C. Denham had been chosen was not obtained from these officials.

In the City Police Court yesterday, before Mr W. H. Freeman, S.M., John Wilson (Dannevirke), for arrears of maintenance amounting to £3 12/-, due up to April 5, 1935, was sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment with hard labour, the warrant to be suspended so long as he pays the amount within 14 days. Costs were fixed at £2 2/-. Albert Ernest Sands, for arrears amounting to £1 7/-, due up to July 22, 1935, was sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment, the warrant to be suspended if the amount of the arrears is paid within seven days.

A meeting of the Southland branch of the South African War Veterans’ Association was held last night. The Bill to come before Parliament (commonly called the Burnt-Out Soldiers’ Bill) came in for a good deal of discussion. It was stated at the meeting of the Dominion executive in Wellington that the Bill would come before the members of the Parliamentary Committee of the South African War Veterans’ Association, which looked after the interest of the veterans. The members of the different associations could rest assured that their interests would be safeguarded.

The weekly meeting of the W.E.A. literature class was held at Everybody’s last evening, when Mr I. L. Petrie presided over a good attendance. The three-act play, “The Lalo Christopher Bean,” was read. Mr S. G. August said the play was a splendid comedy and though comparatively new was well known, as it was filmed. Those who took part were: Misses A. Matheson, P. Young, P. L. Hannah, L. McKay, and A. M. Finlayson; Messrs G. Swift, P. Barlow, B. Hollander, S. G. August and M. O’Toole. Next Monday evening “Sometimes Even Now,” by W. Chet-ham-Strode, a play covering the last two decades, will be read.

“Tourism,” a tabloid word imported from France, is gradually establishing itself in English-speaking countries, but the full significance of the term is not yet widely known in New Zealand. When Mr L. J. Schmitt (general manager of the Tourist Department) was in Auckland recently he received an invitation to give an address in Wellington, and was requested to telegraph the title of his subject. He sent down the word “tourism.” When he reached Wellington he found himself billed to speak on “The Tourist Traffic as a Factor in National and Trade Development,” which was the result of an inspection of a code-book in which “tourism” was thus defined.

An enjoyable concert was given to the inmates of the Borstal Institution last night by Miss M. Harvey and her concert party. Vocal and instrumental solos, fancy dancing and monologues were given by the performers, who had to respond to encores. Miss M. Steward acted as acCompaniste. The programme was as follows: Orchestra, “Festival March”; song, Mr P. Macnamara; tap dance, Miss Edna Campbell; mouth organ solo, Mr Thorne; song, Miks M. Harvey; American tap dance. Miss Beryl Johnson; pianoforte solo, Miss M. Steward; community sing, led by Mr P. Hennessey; cornet duet, Mr Thorne and Mr Cotterell; tap dance, Miss Beryl Johnson; cornet solo, Mr Cotterell; musical monologue, Miss M. Harvey; solo, Mr P. Hennessey; whistling solo, Mr Thorne. At the conclusion of the concert, the acting-superintendent (Mr R. W. Arnold) expressed thanks on behalf of the inmates to Miss Harvey and her party.

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: James Robbie, of Invercargill, retired farmer (Longuet and Robertson); Ellen Moloney, of Lumsden, widow (Walsh and Smith, Winton) ; Priscilla Holt, of Otama, widow (Mr G. H. Hodges, Otautau); Edward Lancelot Blaikie, of Ryal Bush, engineer (W. G. and J. Tait) ; James Hollier, of Gore, retired farmer (Smith and Dolamore); Duncan McCallum, of Invercargill, retired farmer (W. G. and J. Tait) ; Andrew Sharp Burns, of Invercargill, retired farmer (Watson and Watson); John Taylor, of Mataura, farmer (Bowler, Bannerman and Howells, Gore) ; John Francis, of Invercargill, fisherman (Mr F. G. O’Beirne) ; Jane McAdam Millar, of Seaward Downs, widow (Stout, Lil—licrap and Hewat) ; Margaret Lang Killock Lindsay, of Invercargill, widow (Watson and Watson).

“Of excellent quality. Dewar’s Whisky.”—Advt.

For an infant’s outfit you cannot do better than buy at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee street. All baby gar“Beautyform” Corsets, Wrap Ons and Corselettes are lower priced. Come and see these at the only agents in Invercargill. Wicks’ Ltd., Cash Drapers. —Advt.

Bigger Bargains than ever at Carter’s Celebratioi’) Sale to celebrate 35 years’ trading and service. First class pink wool underpants or singlets, unshrinkable, 10/6 reduced to 7/6; braces, Domo make, 3/9 now 1/11, Also big lot of bargains. See advt. front page. CARTER’S CELEBRATION SALE, 36 Tay Street.—Advt.

The moment you enter the Exhibition you’ll notice the distinctive smartness in Thomson and Beattie’s spring fashions. Everything that goes to make a fashionable spring and summer is ■featured this week during the opening style exposition. Miss Vera Norman, of Berlei House, Auckland, is also in attendance giving free fittings and advice on summer foundation garments. —Advt.

Six only northern Musquash Coats, new goods, fresh skins, with a guarantee all sizes, from 34 to 42 busts, at £3O. This is the finest value in the trade to-day. So now’s your chance of procuring a genuine bargain that will give the wearer years of hard wear and sei-vice. We invite your inspection, and compare these values with any in the trade. Every coat carries our guarantee. THE MUTUAL FUR COY., Tay street.—Advt.

Inquiries concerning gas-masks and the protective value of various types against possible future gas attacks on New Zealand by enemy aircraft have been received by an Auckland importer from people in different parts of the Dominion in recent weeks. Precautions being taken abroad, particularly on the Continent, and the introduction of gasmask drill for the public in many cities overseas, are believed to be responsible for the New Zealand inquiries.

The New Zealand Farmers’ Union has urged that the Government should import sodium chlorate direct from the manufacturers and sell it to farmers at cost price. Replying to this suggestion the Minister of Agriculture states that the matter has been considered on more than one occasion, but it was regretted that the Government could not see its way to act in the manner suggested. The Minister added that it would, no doubt, be of interest to the executive to know that a company in Auckland was now manufacturing the chlorate.

Farmers are among the enemies of the Alsatian dog. The Dominion Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union passed a remit in July asking that the question of Alsatian dogs be reconsidered by the Government with a view to their prohibition. A reply has been received from the Minister of Agriculture. “This will have my consideration,” states the Minister, “and will also be borne in mind in the event of the question again becoming the subject of discussion in Parliament. The department can but feel concerned at the frequency of attacks by these dogs on human beings, but realizes that with so many of the animals already in the country, a prohibition of importation would be of little value in remedying this.”