The Christchurch Star PUBLISHED BY New Zealand Newspapers Ltd TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1935. A LINK WITH THE SOUTH.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20543, 19 February 1935, Page 6

The Christchurch Star PUBLISHED BY New Zealand Newspapers Ltd TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1935. A LINK WITH THE SOUTH.

ZEALAND’S proximity to ' the Antarctic gives her a special interest in the return of the Jacob Ruppert, for the connection between this country and the frozen continent is of growing importance. The discovery of the secrets of the South is becoming increasingly necessary to the march of science, and in the progression of knowledge New Zealand must be not merely a provisioning base and last port of call for Antarctic expeditions, but she must provide also one of the most vital links in the chain of scientific bases and meteorological stations which will, in time, stretch from the Antarctic to the Arctic. The establishment of a meteorological station in the Antarctic is not very far distant. The importance of this to the New Zealand farmer may be estimated when it is remembered that the Argentine Government has for many years maintained a meteorological station in the South Shetlands, which can forecast what the weather will in the great wheat belt three years ahead. Incidentally, Admiral Byrd’s successful experiment in taking cattle down to the ice draws the establishment of such stations nearer, for the addition of fresh milk to the diet is a very important contribution to the maintenance of the health of the brave men who face hardship in the white wastes of snow and ice. LEADERS OF REDS.

'T'HE CURSE of China is ineffec- -*■ tiveness; the Chinese Communists are not ineffective. That is the main reason for the outbreaks of violence reported this week from Northern Szechwan, where Government forces find it impossible to stamp out or even check the Red menace. The leaders of the Chinese Communists, strongest in the province of Kiangsi, are believed to be for the most part young students, many of them trained in the Lenin University in Moscow or in a similar institution at Khabarovsk; and the novelty' of the movement lies in the fact that the army does not rule the roost. The control of the Central Red Government (in other words the “ party ”) is absolute, because the “ party ” percolates, in the Russian manner, into every branch of military and civil life. Another interesting fact is that the Communist armies of China march under a red banner bearing hammer and sickle. And their slogans are: “ The Land for the People”; “ Down with Imperialism.” All land is common. When they came into the villages of Kiangsi, the first thing the Communists did was to kill all the landlords, burn all the titledeeds and tear up all landmarks. Marriage, religion and the hereditary' system have been abolished. And in that, it is contended, lies the chief reason why Communism, strong in some areas because of special circumstances, will not spread quickly to other parts of China. The oldest, the most powerful, traditions in China are centred on the family', and the Chinese Communists are out to break up the familv.

A GOOD START. TTAVING MADE a courageous "*■ showing against strong opponents, the first women’s team ever to represent New Zealand at cricket need feel no serious disappointment because victory went to England by an innings and 300 odd runs. The first New Zealand men’s team to play an English side did very little belter—it was beaten by seven W'ickets. That was in 1903 at Lancaster Park. And in those day's, or very little earlier, men’s provincial sides had frequently to be built up to fifteen before their selectors would risk matching them against English or Australian invaders. The first team of Dominion women • cricketers lias started humbly' enough at the feet of masters, but it can say' that it set the ball rolling thoroughly and look forward with confidence to putting up a stronger resistance next time.