The West Coast Times FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20th., 1914. REFORM, FINANCE.

West Coast Times, 20 November 1914, Page 2

The West Coast Times FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20th., 1914. REFORM, FINANCE.

There are several points in connection with the financial .administration of the present Government concerning which the Opposition, as is their Usual custom, are circulating gross misstatements, and it is therefore desirable to set the public right by supplying them with the official figures. We deal first of all with borrowing, because the wildest statements are made on that subject. Taking |ho first 27 mouths of the Reform Government’s administration, from 10th July--1912 to 30th September 1914, wo find that the total sum borrowed was £14,636,880, whilst in the previous 27 months, from Ist April 1910 to 9th July 1912, the “ Liberal ” Administration borrowed £16,496,775. Now," as to the cost of loans to this country. The last throe loans floated in the London market by the “Liberals” cost £4 5s Id, £4 11s sd, and £5 Is I Id per cent, respectively,—the cost, as will be seen, increasing all the I time,. The last three loans of the 1 Reform Government, on the other hand, cost £4 8s sd, £4 3s 3d, and £4 Is 3d respectively,—the cpst decreasing all the time. There the public have the facts, vouched for in State documents, and they can draw their own conclusions.

We now turn to the position of the public finances just before the present Government took office, and in March of the present year. A great deal has been made of the fact that the surplus at March 31st last was only £426,905 whereas the balance in the Consolidated Fund at 31st March, 1912, was £807,276, and the people have been asked to believe that this means a loss to the country. Such a contention to anyone acquainted with the elements: of-finance is of course absurd} hut & tew farts hearing upon the tedsitish bh Ufctotrt};

The Reform Government has paid several amounts out of tho Consolidated Fund which -the ■■“ Liberals ” used to pay out of other moneys, and it has also paid .moneys into the Land for Sotilofnent ‘Account which formerly went to swell tho Consolidated Fund. Those amounts for the year 1913-14 were as follows; Proceeds of Land Sales ... £31,066 Cost of re-erecting PublicBuildings 10,000 Payment to. make Superannuation Fund actuarially sound 35,000 (It was left unsound by the “Liberals.”) Small loan due last year paid out of Consolidated Fund 11,400 Total £137,466 There is a portion of the alleged loss satisfactorily accounted for. If those amounts—following the “Liberal” practice—had not been paid out of the Consolidated Fund, the surplus would have been £564,371. In addition to this, the Government had to face extraordinary expenditure owing tq tho smallpox epidemic and tho strike (which was encouraged by the Opposition), made up as follows: Smallpox Epidemic ...... £30,000 Strike 93,000 Incidental loss of railway rov.eimo 171,000 Total : £294,000 That expenditure had to be incurred and had to be paid out of Consolidated Revenue. Docs tho Opposition suggest that it was bad finance to meet the cost Of the smallpox epidemic and the strike, or that there should have been no loss of railway revenue incidental ''.thereto? If not, they must also admit that, hut for those unfortun- . ate circumstances, the Consolidated Fund would have been swelled by the amount named. In other words, it would have stood at £858,371, more, that,' is than tho surplus at 31st March, 1912. What, then, are the Opposition growling about? As regards tho Public Works ’Fund, the following tabular statement speaks for itself;— '• 30th June. 1913. £ ' Amount in Fund 777,088 Liabilities 1,649,349 Deficit 872,261 30th March, 1914.

Amount in Fund 1,400,000 Liabilities 4 092,098 Surplus 413.9Q2 Thus, it will be soon that though the Government had to meet £872,261 of liabilities in the Public -Works Fund when it took office, for which there was no provision, by the end of March last it had a surplus in that fund of £400,000. ’That change was not brought about by curtailing expenditure on public works, but by sound financial .administration. In conclusion, wV may point out that the ver}.- satisfactory financial results which are sot forth in this article are described by the Opposition as “rotten.” The public can easily deduce for themselves the sort of finance which we' shall get if the “.Wizard ” and his rag-tag-and-bohtaii party ever get into office again.

ITALY v. AUSTRIA

In the event of Italy "entering into the irar, she would probably <!n so against Austria, and it is therefore of interest to consider the strategic conditions which would confront the potential combatants at the opening of the Anstro-Itallan campaign. The war of 180(5 gave Venetia to Italy, but left Austria in possession of the crests of the Alps and the heads of the principal valleys. From Switzerland to the Julian Alps the frontier follows the crests of -the hills at an elevation of 7000 to 10,000 feet, Except the valley of the Adige, there arc few facilities for the movement of masses of men across this section of the frontier. .Between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic the character of the frontier changes. The hills gradually become lower, and nothing prevents movements on, a broad front across the Tagliamento eastward. The Tyrol juts out like a bastion Into the LombardoVeuetian plain. On its western Hank only three roads cross the frontier, but the eastern flank is more accessible, and the broad valley of the Adige leads northward into the heart of Tyrol. The Carnic Alps arc not crossed by any road fit for wheeled traffic. A mountainous district thirty Hides broad separates the frontier from the Venetial plain. The Carnic Alps defend themselves, but thence westward to Switzerland every accessible line of approach has its Austrian barrier fort, usually an armoured work in a commanding position for long range fighting, and an auxiliary barrier iu the valley armed with quick-firing and machine guns. Nearly all the armed forts have armoured cupolas with six to twelve guns and howitzers of medium ealibrev Armoured observatories, powerful searchlights, underground cables, and signal stations aid the defence. Besides these exterior works the Tyro! has a group of works at iliva; another at Franzensfesto to protect the railway junction, and finally a strong fortress at Trent, which is the keep of the Tyrol and is surrounded by a girdle of batteries and armoured. forts. •‘liras the Tyrol is prepared by .nature and art for a stout defence; but the capital element of this de,fence Las been squandered in Galiciii, where the admirable 11th Corps from the Tyrol has been submerged in the Russian tide. The 3rd Corps similarly has been hard hit, and to these two corps the defence of the Austrian frontier would in normal circumstances have been at first confided. It is possible for Austria to collect forces of a kind to confront the Italians, and every man in the Tyrol and the Vqrarlborg would light, and fight hard. But the defeats of the Austrian - main armies and the general situation make an Italian success in a converging attack upon the Tyrol 'highly probable. As, for the frontier east of the Tagliamento, the Austrians could normally mobilise more quickly than Italy and confront her with superior forces. This’situation was*used as a lever to compel Italy to remain with the Triple Alliance. But it is pow completely changed, :and Italy should find no great difficulty in realising her ambitions in Istria. She lias a good-base in Tonics, a strong fleet, bfld fdfi’orfhl friendsi All these

circumstances arc not such as often rocur in the history of a nation, and wo must therefore not he surprised if the Italians decide to take advantage or this unique if fleeting opportunity to act. . ,

THE ITALIAN FORCES. Now that the Austrian power at sea has become negligible, the via radical of Italy to which Napoleon once referred, namely ,the disproportionate length of Italy compared to her breadth, no longer matters. If Italy takes part in the war she can almost entirely neglect defence of her coasts, her Islands, and her oversea possessions. All her forces can be concentrated in tho north, and her, troops on the French frontier can also be withdrawn. With all strength united Italy can accomplish her destines. Italy with a. population of 36,000,000, says the Military Correspondent of “Tho Times,” can place 1,100,000 trained men in the field, of whom 515.000 are in tho Active Army, 245,000 in the Mobile -Militia, and 340,000 in the Torritoial Militia. Willi a normal peace strength of 250,000 men, 54.000 horses, and 480 horsed gnhs, she can place in the field 700,000 men for active operations, including 544 battalions, 180 squadrons, and 360 batteries. Tho larger units amount to 1 t Army Corps, each of two to three divisions, 25,000 to 37,000 men, and four Cavalry Divisions of 2500 horses. Mobilisation is fairly rapid, aiid is easier than usual at- Iprcsent. on account of tho reserve classes now with tho- colours. 'The Italian Infantry have the Mahnlicher-Careano rifle, Tho field artillery should by now be almost completely rearmed with the Deport 75mm. gun, 1911 pattern, while there aro plenty of heavy guns, siege gups, and heavier types in tho coast defences. In numbers, in spirit, in armament, and in training the Itqlian Army is capable of carrying out the mission whiejj may lie confided to if by tho Italian people.

'Hie annual ejection of Chairmen of the, various County Councils will bo held on Wednesday next. Lake Coleridge electric power was turned on to Christchurch last Friday night and successfully tested. -Mr. A. Kidman, the Australian "Cattle King,” is expected to visit Wellington before the end of the month. -. . ’ , Legislation .was passed last session authorising the Westport Harbour Hoard to expend up to ,£3OOO per annum in boring for coal. The Railway Department announces in this issue excursion fares ami special train service in connection with the trotting races at Reefton. Mr. H. M. Phillips, piano tuner for Messrs Web ley Sons, and Gof ton, Ltd., ,i fi now in town.. Orders left with the Excelsior Book-Co. will receive prompt attention.—Advt.

The new Sports coats and stylish millinery are attracting attention. Colour blending a nd. colour contrasts of delightful orginlnality appeal to the good taste of every lady. Call and see our display.—Misses Addison, —Advt. Owing to the Hard-up Ball being held in the Drill Hall next Tuesday night the Druids’ Lodge have resolved not to hold the usual weekly dance that night. The date of the next dance will he announced later.

It is exported that the slip at Soldiers’ Creek, which has brought operations at the Paparoa mine to a standstill, would he cleared away last night and that work will be resumed to-day. The brake-house has boon shifted out of position, hut will soon he restored to its old site.

At the annual meeting of the Westport Coal Company, held at Dunedin to-day, the .shareholders voted £SOO to the Patriotic Fund for the Expeditionary Force and their dependents, and £SOO to the British and Belgian Relief Funds in equal proportions; also 5 per cent, bonus on the salaries of the staff.

Aro you anticipating Spring Cleaning? We have an attractive array of Hall Bugs, Carpet Squares, Carpet rnuners ,Linoleums, etc., in designs that are new, colours.that are tasteful ; prices that are right.—Misses Addison.—Advt.

Mr. 11. Semple, during the course of a speech iu Oamaru, said that Mr. T. At. Wilford, solocitor, of Wellington, had Been instructed to issue a writ against the Iluntly mine owners, in whoso mine the recent disaster occurred, claiming £ISOO compensation for each man whoso life had been lost through the disaster. Public notice is given in this issue that a special' meeting of the Hokitika Borough Council will he held on Wednesday 16th. December at 7 .45 p.m., to confirm a-resolution passing a by-law No. 2, 1914. “Itinerant Traders.” , A copy of the by-law may bo inspected during office hours at the Town Clerk’s Office,

Bishop Cleary arrived in Christelmrch on Saturday night’; having motored over from the West. Coast. Portions of the old coach road were found to he in a very rough condition, and the car did not manage to get through without two or three mishaps. These his Lordship, who is skilled in the mechanism of the .automobile, was able to attend to.

■This afternoon at 2 o’clock will be the opening of the Bazaar and Sale of Work, to' be held at the Totara Hall, Ross, in-aid of the Lady Liverpool and Belgian Belief Funds, No charge will bp made for admission and a musical programme will he given this afternoon and evening. The Refreshment Rooms are in the hands of a capable committee, aftei--noon lea and supper a specialty. It is hoped that the Bazaar will be well patronised and result in a substantial amount being raised for the Liverpool and Belgian Funds. A complete range of casement curtain nets and muslins in cream, ivory, Snd white, with brass rods and curtain poles; also a selection of drawn thread ,embroidered tray and suppercloths. duchess runners and Hoyles, are now showing.—Misses Addison, —Advt. . '

A delightful refresher—Wdtfeoti’t

Mr. H. L. Michel addresses the electors of Oreymoulh and district at the Town Hall, Greymouth, thi R evening.

At a meeting of the Committee of the Inangahua A..and 1’- Association jiT was resolved to recommend the annual meeting to hold the Show on Wednesday, March 17th (St. Patrick's Day) and to inform the other A. and P; Associations on the Coast of the fact.

The annual meeting of the Westland County Council takes place at noon on iWedesday. The business is to elect the Chairman. A special meeting will bo held subsequently to receive deputations (1) re Kokatahi protection; (2) re opening Kelly’s Terrace Drainage Tunnel; (3) re stone at crushing plant at Arahura.

The annual meeting of the Westland County Council will he held at the Council Chambers on Wednesday next at noon. The business will include the election of Chairman. A special meeting will be held subsequently to receive deputations (1) re Kokatahi protection, (2) re opening Kelly’s Terrace drainage tunnel, (3: ro stono crushing, plant, Arahura.

The following were among the passengers who left for Christchurch yesterday:—Mesdames, D. H. Renton, lE. C. Bennett, Jones, Stevenson, W. I). Fraser and R. C. Wilkinson; Lady Rutherford and party; .Misses Dennison, Bentley, and McCarthy; Messrs J. J. McGuigan, R, Kenny, W. 'Walsh, J. Moss, W. D. Fraser, R. 0. Wilkinson, McKoekin, Duncan, and Rev. William Trotter.

Drink the patriotic spirit: Watson's No. 10; always reliable.—Advt.

Among the-passengers who reached Greymouth from Christchurch last night worn the following:—Messrs McMahon, Smith, Dugard, Seddon, Pollard, Ncwcy, Willis, Chilton, Hamilton, Holder, Newby, Wallace, Currie, Mirfin, Woods, Mirfin, Olderog, Barker and Mirfin ; Mesdamc fi AVickes Beban, Lloyd, AVright, Jackson, Smith Ford, Chilton, Green and Houlahan; Misses Bruce and Power.

The Dominion meteorologist telegraphed the following weather summary and forecast:—“ The barometer lias risen everywhere, and strong south-westerly winds have predominated, gales being experienced in many parts of the country. The weather has been cloudy and squally generally, with rain in parts, but more favourable conditions have ruled in the neighbourhood of Cook Strait. The present indications are for changeable weather generally, squally in parts, and showery on the West Coast and in the southernmost districts of tly South Island. Moderate to strong southerly winds are probable, changing to increasing westerlies, the barometer falling again shortly." The first parade of the Greymoiith Mounted Reserve Section was held on Wednesday afternoon. There was a muster of about 30 men, who formed up in front of the Opera House at 3 p.m., and received a cheer from a crowd of interested spectators as they inoved off in squads of fours to tho Recreation Ground, whore the mounted men were put through various evolutions by Captain AVray. The horses “played up” a little at the start, but soon settled down to their work and displayed fine intelligence. Two troops were formed under Messrs I-'. Hall ami A. H. Carter. It was decided to hold a dismounted parade on Tuesday next, and a second mounted parade on AVenesday week. A good number of names have been handed in to join the reserve, and it is hoped that fully 100 mounted men will he the minimum of this section of the local defence corps when its organisation is completed. Drink the patriotic spirit: AA’atson’s No. 10; always reliable.—Advt.

A very pleasant function took place at Airs. W. Wilson’s residence on the evening of Tuesday, November 17th., when the Hokitika Women’s Literary anti Debating Society hold its last meeting of the season 1911. .Mass Neilson occupied the chair, and the evening was devoted to social items. Pianoforte solos were contributed by 'ilesdameis Wilson and Alnlfroy, and Misses AlacKay, Dorrington and Michel ; songs by Airs, de Berry (“Sweet bo Thy Dreams”), Alis Ward (“Oood Night, Farewell”), and Mis* K. Dorrington (“Aty Task” and “It’s a long way to Tipperary”). Recitations wore given, by Aliss Thompson (“Dinners”) and Miss Neilson (“The Wily Crocodile”) ; while Mrs. Scott contributed a much appreciated essay, and Miss Henderson a reading (“People Will Talk”). Undoubtedly the star item of the evening came when Alesdames AVilson, Afalfroy and Boyd, and Misses J). and E. Dorrington appeared, in costume, for the Tnllirer Tea Party, from “The All'll on the Floss.” A most enjoyable programme ended appriately, at a late hour, with cakes and coffee, and the. company dispersed to do battle with the boisterous elements. '

Jlr. Richard Brown writes to the “Kvening Post”:—“Your paper’s note re Kipling reminds mo of the famous writer’s visit to Wellington—a howling gale, with showers of dust, was raging. Kipling called at my shop for shelter, and talked books for upwards of an hour; he did not,betray his identity but I knew, him from portraits in trade reviews etc. For puaei mischief I told him I could sot read “The Light that Failed,” but enoyed “The Drums of the Fore and Aft.” He told me I should stick to “short stuff.” As he passed out, pulling his soft hat over his face, Dr. Gore-Gillon entered. I said, ‘That’s Rndyard Kipling.’ The doctor immediately gave chase, and later returned, showing me a couplet signed" R.K., about the ‘Windy City.’ Punch, some time ago, lamented the fact that popular writers were passing away—‘The Rudyards would cease Kipling,’ and ‘the Haggards ride no more.’ I hope that time is fax distant so far as Rudyard is concerned.” Call for Watson’s No. 10 on all occasions.—Advt. n • *1 w,.i* (. , f...>

see the new merles, fee serine and hummer, you must visit enr warehouse ttrly. Inspection cordially invited. F. fibbhxteh .sod On-—AdH.

Our popular medico, Dr. Macaudrew, inserts in this issue, a notice of hi« appreciation of the kind and capable attention he received from the (local Hospital staff during his late severe illness.

In cycling, an always recurring item of expense is the cost of replacing covers and tubes, and the cyclists will naturally welcome the chance of securing those necessary lines at reduced prices. As a result of the war, numerous consignments have arrived simultaneously, and to retail their stock Messrs W. A. Scott and Sons., Dunedin, are offering a big accumulation of high-grade covers and tubes at reduced prices. 12s fid covers are being sold at 10s 6d, and 5s 6d tubes at ‘ls fid. The covers are of high quality Ivulcanised rubber, with a substantial tread, and have a lining of the best canvas. The tubes are best para rubber, with plenty of stretch and spring in them. The reductions are genuine, and six months' guarantee goes with each cover and tube.

“I see that the old trouble—dysentery—is affecting the troops at the front" writes Mr TTenry Waltan, an ex-naval man, to a Wellington paper, “The chief cause of dysentery is bad water. I know what it is to suffer from the complaint, as I had it off and on for years, having contracted it at the mouth of the Yellow Riverin China. 1 have seen two buckets of mud taken from the bottom of a tank when, it was emptied, and when one is aware of the filth that goes into a river in China leave alone the dead bodies, is it any wonder there is dysentery, when precautions are not taken to purify the water - The cure wo always found effective, ancT which T sent to I/oixl Roberts and Admiral Seymout, is as follows; Boil a quart of new milk down to a pint, then add a teaspoonful of - oatmeal and boil five minutes longer. When it ig glutinous pour into a basin, and dissolve in a piece of lard as large as a hen’s egg. and add a teaspoonful of pepper. Two doses taken at breakfast will always effect a cure. Often the first will do it.” .