TOKANUI NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 22733, 8 November 1935, Page 12

TOKANUI NOTES

INTERESTING ADDRESS. (From Our Correspondent.) Mr G. Alley, M.A., of Christchurch, who is librarian to the Association of Country Education arrived in Tokanui on Wednesday and addressed a number of library subscribers and also school children from the Otara and Tokanui schools. Mr J. T. Gardiner (chairman) introduced the speaker who took for his subject “Abyssinia.” Mr Alley dealt with the colonizing spirit of the nations touching on the growth of the British Empire in Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Mr Alley touched upon the manufactures of England and compared them both in quality and price with Japanese. Within the last sixty years a reawakening has taken place in the history of the world. Much territory was gained overseas by European countries. England, Belgium, Germany, France had all been active. Italy on the other hand had practically remained dormant and then suddenly she was seized with a desire for Imperialism. She cast her eyes upon Africa. Mr Alley traced Italy’s progress and failures in Africa and gradually led up to the present difficult situation. The nature of the country, the type of people, and their customs were also outlined. He also indicated the conflicts of England and France in their struggles for supremacy, mentioning particularly the Fashoda clash. Britain’s objective has been to retain the Nile with its fertile valleys and also to obtain Lake Tsana (held by Abyssinia). At the conclusion of his talk Mr Alley invited those present to ask questions. At the chairman’s request Mrs N. Moffett moved a hearty vote of thanks and appreciation to Mr Alley. Mrs R. H. Shaw in seconding the motion added her appreciation, adding that those present had received a good background to the situation. The motion was carried by acclamation. General. Prior to her departure for Woolston Miss Ena Swan was presented by the Sunday school superintendent (Miss M. Earwaker) with a Bible in recognition of her record attendance over a period of seven years. Miss Earwaker thanked Ena for her loyalty and wished her every joy in the future. x On Thursday Constable T. C. Swan, Mrs Swan and Misses Ena and Anne left on their journey to Woolston. Mr Swan was stationed at Tokanui for over eight years during which time he quietly won the respect of the people. A farewell function took place last week when Mr and Mrs Swan were appropriately farewelled.