TOPICS OF THE TIMES.

Southland Times, Issue 22730, 5 November 1935, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES.

Virtue, But Not Policy. A reply to the extreme pacifist view of the application of sanctions by the League of Nations was made by Mr J. R. Clynes, who was Home Secretary in the British Labour Government, in a striking declaration at Manchester. He said:—The first-rate work of the League in dealing with larger nations must at times involve some risk, but the greater risk would be in shirking the highest international duty and destroying a great Peace Parliament such as the League was designed to be. We cannot prevent aggression or the act of war of a wrong-doer by refusing to resist him. Resistance can take many forms which even pacifists may support. But if they shirk from every kind of resistance to an act of war they can claim that their pacifism is a virtue, but it is certainly not a policy. We can respect their principles, and their moral standards are beyond question, but we have to govern, and government often means distasteful action. If we have international law we must have a means to enforce it, and those who sneer at that law or violate it must not escape scot-free. Problems in Kenya. -

Overshadowed by the Abyssinian crisis next door to them, the Kenya settlers have not been receiving much attention in England in recent months, notes the Listener. But the times are critical for that outlying portion of the Empire. The settlers’ unofficial Parliament, the Convention of Associations, has just finished its sittings, leaving behind a Colonists’ Vigilance Committee. The troubles of Kenya are economic, but they issue in demands for more political power. Only if they have a majority in the local Legislative Council, argue the settlers, can they prune administrative extravagance. The antithesis is important between the conception, held out to aspirants for appoint-, ment to the Colonial Service, of the dependent Empire as a unit, to any part of which a man may be moved, under conditions of pay and leave determined by the Colonial Office, and that of local control in any particular colony. Arpong the demands of the settlers is one that the civil service shall be recruited from among the rising generation of settlers’ children. Large official salaries loom up in the imaginations of stru-’ling farmers, who are, in fact paying them. But long experience has established the necessity for making conditions of service attractive in order to keep a high level in the administration. It must be questioned whether there is really _ much progress to be made along the lines of fewer officials with lower pay and strong local ties. If the governmental structure has grown too heavy for the taxpayer’s shoulders, as there is a case for thinking has happened, the main remedy must lie, according to the Listener, in building up the colony s economic life.

Last evening the Dominion Meteorologist issued the following information: The depression has passed rapidly eastwards, but another one is now approaching from the Tasman Sea. Forecast: Winds moderate, strong and increasing north-westerly to westeily, backing to southerly to-night in the far south, and southerlies becoming general within the next 24 hours. Seas in New Zealand waters rough south of Cape Egmont and about Cook and Foveaux Straits, and elsewhere moderate but rising. Eastern Tasman Sea: Strong westerly winds, backing to southerlies; seas rough. Weather mainly fair and mild at first in eastern districts, otherwise changeable and squally and rain in western districts and in the far north and south, with heavy falls in Westland; later showers extending also to eastern areas. Temperatures mild, but becoming colder to-morrow.

Commencing forthwith, the rate for telegrams exchanged between New Zealand offices and the vessel Tamahine, while engaged in the WellingtonPicton ferry service, is reduced to 2jd a word with a minimum charge of 1/3 a message.

An extraordinary Gazette issued last night announces that the GovernorGeneral has issued a proclamation dissolving the General Assembly from November 1. A Supplementary Gazette summons Parliament to meet on February 6. —Wellington Press Association message.

Amusing evidence of the average Englishman’s ignorance of New Zealand was afforded the Rev. H. S. Leach, who has just returned to Wellington from Great Britain. On one occasion, he said, when the conversation turned to New Zealand, one of the English people present said: “I suppose you have to go over to Australia to do your shopping.”

A tour of New Zealand for the purpose of collecting material for a short story relating to life in the Dominion, is to be made by the American author, Mr Albert Wetjen, who arrived at Auckland by the Lurline on Friday. He was accompanied by Mrs Wetjen. After spending a month visiting various parts of the Dominion, Mr Wetjen will leave for Australia, where he will remain for five weeks collecting material on different aspects of Australian life. The visitor’s books include “Captains All,” “Way for a Sailor,” “Youth Walks on the Highway,” and “Fiddler’s Green.” He is a contributor to magazines in England, the United States and Australia.

During last season 1375 swimming certificates were issued in the Wellington district on 34 separate applications, according to the report of the educational officer of the Wellington Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association. They consisted of 602 learners’, 435 proficiency, and 338 merit certificates. Applications were received from 25 primary schools, four district high schools,, three secondary schools, and one private school, and several individuals connected with swimming. “It is to be regretted that applications are not received from more secondary schools,” says the report. “It is noted this year that good work is being done in the South Wairarapa schools, particularly in Featherston, Martinborough, and Carterton. This is the result of the transfer of teachers during the last two or three years keenly interested in the Wellington Primary Schools’ Swimming Association. During the past season one Wellington child aged four was issued his learner’s certificate. In another case a boy who by accident lost his leg gained his 220yds certificate.”

In the Police Court yesterday before Messrs M. Miller and A. L. Adamson, Justices of the Peace, Richard Lee, aged 50 years (Mr B. W. Hewat) was •charged with indecently assaulting at Centre Bush a girl aged nine. After evidence in support of the prosecution had been given, the accused pleaded guilty and was remanded to the Supreme Court for sentence.

In connection with the recent examinations held in Invercargill under the regulations relating to the granting of engineers’ and engine-drivers’ certificates of competency, the following candidates were successful: Edgar George Wilson and Thomas William Dwyer (first-class stationary engine-driver); James Roy Donald, John Steven Collie and Walter William Guttery (secondclass stationary engine-driver); Thomas Lawrie (locomotive and traction en-gine-driver) ; John William Murray (traction engine-driver).

Although on a business trip to New Zealand and Australia, LieutenantColonel A. Dore, who arrived in Auckland by the Lurline from Los Angeles, is keenly interested in aviation and has been asked by Government officials in England to note developments in this country. Colonel Dore, who is accompanied by his wife, will remain in Auckland for a few days before visiting other parts of New Zealand. During the war Colonel Dore was in the Air Force and had a number of New Zealanders under his command. He retired from the service for about ten years, but is now a wing commander in the Auxiliary Air Force. He is a representative of Baldwins, Ltd., steel manufacturers, and is investigating the possibilities of extending the firm’s business.

The Wellington Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association has under consideration a scheme for submission to the Marine Department to establish, correspondence classes in order to enable lighthouse-keepers to become proficient in first aid. The Auckland Centre proposes to provide its motor ambulance waggons with short-wave radio receiving and transmitting sets to enable them to keep in touch with the headquarters which will be similarly equipped. This will bring the fleet of cars into line with up-to-date overseas services. At present valuable time is sometimes lost through the necessity of sending out a second machine from headquarters when there is already an ambulance in a district from which a second call has come. The new arrangement will give greater speed and mobility to the present service and save unnecessary running. Experiments are at present being carried out.

As a herd of cattle was being driven on the cargo ferry steamer Sparrowhawk at Northcote (Auckland) last Thursday morning, a cow slipped on the iron at the end of the vehicular landing and fell into the harbour. It swam under the passenger wharf, and became wedged between the parallel cross-timbers holding together the buffer piles on the western side of the jetty. It was impossible to extricate the animal, which seemed doomed to be submerged by the rising tide, which was full at 9.54. Mi- G. Pugh, who was in charge of the cattle, secured the services of the tow-boat Jumbo from Auckland. When the boat arrived at 8.15, only the head of the cow remained above water, and the animal was struggling hard, but could not rise, a heavy cross-beam holding it down. A rope was quickly tied to the 'horns and over the animal’s head. The cow was then promptly released and towed to safety at Hall’s Beach.

Questions on wireless broadcasting and the rights of B stations have been addressed to the Minister of Finance, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, at every meeting to date during his campaign in the Kaipara electorate (states the New Zealand Herald). Most of the questions have referred specifically to the Friendly Road station, IZB. On three occasions in me day Mr Coates had to explain his position with regard to broadcasting. He was asked whether the Government would do something to save B stations from extinction and to allow an extension of their hours. “This is really outside my province,” said Mr Coates at Albany. “I have been asked to do what I can for these B stations and I shall make every effort in this direction, although the last time I helped one of them the people running it seemed to turn round on me. Ido not know why there should be all this trouble, especially in Auckland; One station there is the most savage of the lot and is raising most of the dust.” Mr Coates said he understood the B' stations wanted an extension of hours and possibly some financial assistance. The PostmasterGeneral (the Hon. A. Hamilton) was working out the details of an idea which should be of great help to all of them. However, no station could have the right of putting programmes and talks over the air without some supervision and control.

Whether the weather is hot or cold “DEWAR’S WHISKY” is always desirable.”—Advt.

Samples—Samples. Here is an opportunity—Dainty Silk Locknit Nightdresses, beautiful English sample range. See window display. Prices cut fine at Wicks’ Ltd., Cash Drapers, Dee street. —Advt.

Children’s sun hats, flops in boiling silk, fugi, floral cotton and black satin. Panamas, white and cream 4/11 and 5/6 at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee street.—Advt.

Important news for young men. Carter’s Clothing Store have _ a large stock of the latest Suits in all sizes, also the Aeroplane High School Shirts have arrived; this Cloth is light, good Navy Dye and tough wearing. See Carter’s advert, front page.—Advt. Showroom bargains at Thomson and Beattie’s Store-wide Rebuilding Expansion Sale are creating tremendous shopping activity at the noisy Exhibition. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the ladies of Southland to secure all summer drapery and holiday needs at genuine savings. For those who intend spending a hiking or camping holiday this firm offers splendid quality raincoats of a good length in several colours at 12/6 each. Regular value 19/6. —Advt.

We have enough skins at the moment to make up six coats. These are in beautiful dark northern musquash of super quality, at the price of an inferior coat. Any lady contemplating a new coat before the season finishes would be wise to inspect these beautiful skins. A guarantee with every coat, and workmanship, style and satisfaction assured; and remember our slogan: What we say it is IT IS—THE MUTUAL FUR COMPANY, Manufacturing Furriers, Tay Street.—Advt. STEWARTS ECZEMA TREATMENT for BABY ECZEMA And Teething Rashes. IT NEVER FAILS TO RELIEVE. Complete Treatment: 5/-. STEWARTS PHARMACY, Dee Street. —Advt “THERE IS A TIME FOR ALL THINGS.” -Proverb And the time to attack a cough or cold is before it gets you down. Fortify yourself against attack. Always keep a bottle of Baxter’s Lung Preserver handy—quickly vanquishes chest and bronchial troubles. More than a wonderful remedy for colds. “Baxter’s” also has splendid tonic properties that build up the constitution. Chemists and stores, 1/6, 2/6 and 4/6. — Advt