The West Coast Times SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1914. THE SEA ENCROACHMENT.

West Coast Times, 21 November 1914, Page 2

The West Coast Times SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1914. THE SEA ENCROACHMENT.

Thkkb is every indication that tim encroachment of the sea has ceased for the present. The high tidc s yesterday did no further damage, and from present appearances the area which has been affected will not ho subjected to further onslaughts until at least next spring tides. In th’n meantime, the residents alv devoting their energies in the direction of protecting their properties as best they can by erecting barricades, and in other ways endeavouring to obviate further destruction by the sea wafer. It must he home in mind that the damage was caused when a high sea prevailed at spring tide, and it is quite possible that the same state of tilings will not again obtain for a long time to come. The position nevertheless is far from satisfactory, and there can ho no doubt that many properties are in a precarious state. It Is extremely difficult to know what is best to be done under the circumstances. The groyne which was erected at the Stafford street right-of-way has heen smashed about to such an extent that it offers absolutely no resistance to the battering of the seas. It is not even likely to be of any service in the future in entrapping the sands being conveyed by the sea from north or south. The fact that this has heen the case indicates that it is only under certain conditions that such protection will serve the pur pose for which it is intended. On the other hand the beach has ’’made tip” to a very considerable extent from Johnstone Oo”s right-of-way south, there being some feet mors of sand at the point indicated than where the cfevastation twas most severe. K is not only the serious loss Which has already been sustained that causes the townspeople so much anxiety. The insecurity of their position is a matter that perhaps concerns them even more and the problem is to devise means by which this phase of the question could he overcome. It would certainly appear from what has taken place during the recent high tides that no, wooden protective works at least would

be adequate tcf prevent the extensive ' erosion. For some months past the sea has been cutting a direct line and ■ with such force as to load one to sup- ■ pose that it must take its course. 1 However it is regrettable that the residents who have their all invested in their homes should be deprived of their property a s has 1)0611 the case. Needless to say, they have the sympathy of others who arc more fortunate in not owning property on the sea, shore, but this does not by any means compensate them for the loss which has occurred during the past few days. It would be a good thing if .something could bo done to facilitate their removal to a safer part of the town, and with the object of effecting such arrangements the Borough Council and generally might cooperate and bring about a solution of a difficulty which to some of those affected must without such cooperation prove insurmountable. An important fact whirl) is likely to be overlooked is that many parts of tho town are lower than those which the sea is at present encroaching on. This brings us to tho conclusion that the townspeople in endeavouring to formulate a scheme as suggested, must bear in mind that although at the present juncture only a portion of the town is immediately affected, tho area it, certainly acting as a protection to a considerable part of the borough. It •seems to ns, therefore, that if anything i s l.i be accomplished at this juncture, the question arise* as to whether the expenditure is warranted in putting iu a more substantial protection fTTah hitherto. This would perhaps take too long to complete. We would, suggest to tho authorities that if further expert engineering advice is obtained a comprehensive scheme might bo decided upon. If it is found to bo undesirable to adopt sucli a proposal some other way of coping "iih tho present difficulty will perhaps be discovered. One thing is certain and that is that steps should be taken immediately to do something calculated to improve the present condition of affaire, amt even if the result should not prove all that is desired the authorities will have the satisfaction of knowing that no effort was spared to bring about, the desire of the townspeople.

THK GERMAN COMMAND. Tun news that the German effort to reach the north coast of France has apparently failed, and the indications that they are preparing for a genera! retreat on Brussels, suggests that the' German command is not quite so infallible as we were invited to helievo during the piping limes of peace Long years ago the great Moltke told his assembled lieutenants that foreign armies v.ere equal to Germany in eonrage, in numbers, and in armament, lint that they were not. equal in the command, and that in this matter Germany would always he superior. But it is some time since Moltke llourishisi and it is pretty evident that he nourishes no longer. It is true that the plan of attack on France—placing it’, vital political disadvantages aside—was good us far as it wont, A plan prepared during long years of peace was methodically worked out, and up to a certain point it seemed as (hough Moltke’s prophecy might still he true. But Iho moment that seiencu failed and art began, or, in other words, when the exercise of judgment was required iruin tho latter-day German chiefs, we saw little of the sagacity and profound insight which characterised the decisions of the groat Moltke in critical days. The withdrawal of a group of Army Corps from France before the decision had heen secured in the west, and a month before these corps wore needed in the. cast, was, as the Military Correspondent of the "’rimes” pointed out at the time, an appalling blunder. The miscalculation which allowed the Austro-Hungarian Army to be struck to earth before German troops could adequately succour it was a second error, big with consequences. It was a smart stroke on von lllmlenbnrg’s part, and on that of the Prussian railways, to mass troops rapidly for the coup against Samson oil’, but the premature and futile advance to tho N’iemen, to he thrown hack with inch heavy loss, gave no evidence of any sense of proportion in tho Gorman

command. The future is on the km-cs of the gods, but when history tackles the proceedings of the first two mouths of war will pay a higher tribute 1" the leading ef the Grand Duke Nicholas and of General Joffre than to dial of the Great General Staff of Berlin, which has very little Moltke about it except the name.

GERMAN CULTURE. Thk German professors aro becoming more ami more convinced that there is no Ivultur but German Kull.ur. They are ridding themselves of all ideas of the common tasks of humanity and settling down to a steady contemplation of their own self-contained world of German achievements and German virtues. Professor Liszt, of Berlin, to whose utterance we have already called attention, is making great progress on these lines. In a recent lecture ho reviewed some of the modern achievement of civilisation, and then proceeded:—“ Hie whole fabric has tumbled down in a night. The economic community has been torn asunder. We are trying with all our might to nationalise world economics, ami already it is seen that the State which most rapidly accommodates itself to the changed requirements of the time must remain victor. The community of Kultur has also broken down. Hatred is poisoning feeling into the very spheres of art and science. The treasure house of our eternal possessions has hoc-n narrowed, but With double loyalty we cling to the fa« who have remained to us. It will be a long time heforo.it can bo built up again. If we conclude a peace which assures our frontiers and corresponds to our wishes, we must not continue to dwell in the same house with the Powers that remain our enemies.” The professor is then reported to have sketched a “central -European League 1 of States from Scandinavia to Turkey,” but excluding Franco and Spain, “ for defence against England, which is deliberately aiming at the supremacy of the world.” In so far as his argument on the subject of culture is

concerned, it is only necessary to point out that, as compared with the contributions of England, Franco, and Italy to European civilisation and progrss, those of Germany arc negligoable.

FINANCING THE WAR. At the beginning of the war, war lending institutions (Darlclinskassen) were established in Germany, which were to issue special paper notes by way of loans to the public on good securities. 'Tlio amount of this special paper was to bo limited in tho first case to a total of £75,000,000. The paper actually issued up to the middle of October was already nearly £2-1,000,000 ami more than half the amount had been issuifd quite recently in connectiim with subscriptions to the war loan, of the “.success” of which Germany is so proud. This loan paper, which lias of course no real value except for internal uses, represents mainly receipts for the pledging of stocks and shares and valuable .stocks of goods. Not content with lending in this way on existing investments in.order to promote subscriptions to the war loan, the war lending institutionswere afterwards empowered to lend afresh on the scrip of the new war loan issue itself up to 75 per con t. of the nominal value. By methods such as this it would no doubt be easy to repeat war loan “successes” a good many times ami for a long period—in fact ns long ns the German public lias good securities to pledge. The dangers of such proceedings are

obvious in the event of defeat. If, however, the public considers the matter at all, ft presumably considers that it lias no more to lose one way than another. It is remitted to the great national gamble for victory, and would be no better off by clinging to the securities which are practically unsaleable during war.

The ‘•D.T.C.” Christchurch insert a replace advertisement in this issue, Mr, and Mrs. J. Thomson, Roes, insert a notice of thanks in this issue. Advice has heen received that the Bnahine from Wellington, has reached .Montevideo and the Corinthie has arrived in Fnglaml. Mr. 1.. A. Lyons, son of Mr. B. Lyons, of Stafford, of the Bank o( New Zealand stalf, Waipawa, has heen transferred to Mangaweka. The second consignment containing 600 articles of clothing for the Belgian Belief Fund, was sent forward last week hy the local Ladies’ Committee. Yesterday his Worship the Mayor ol' Greynumth remitted to the acting Consul for Belgium (Mr. Cyril Ward) tl,,- sum of £175, making in all £5511 remitted from (Ircymouth. The Ketch Jane which passed north from Okuru on Thursday morning, worked Brnee Bay in the afternoon, landing a boatload of cargo and then came on to Hokitika, arriving in the roadstead yesterday m'.ie ag and crossing the har in g-'.*, .Jo ■,( It,HO o’clock. Mr. t yri’ ; - ,,r^ ul for Belgium. ulth thanks the M' - the West Const !■ Funds: Beeflon. Cam-'), £63 fis lid : Mi A. IV. Peebles, llrst ii. flHokitika, (Miss M.

Tho new Sports coals n millinery arc attracting atten! our blending a .nd colour contra delightful orgininality appeal f<, good taste of every lady. Call and see our display.—Misses Addison,—Advt,

One of the heel all-round programmes ever thrown on a local screen, will he submitted hi patrons at the Princess Theatre on 'Monday night. There are no less than three Star features, each of which is worthy of being a headliner on anv picture The first is „ N w lLk sensational star drama entitled ‘‘The Midnight Sum.” Tt is a great story admirably acted, ami with a n alluring pot The second is an Edison pl,iv of the ’Wondrous West, entitled, ‘‘The -Mexican's Gratitude”; and the third is .1 \ itagraph big comedy hit “Dianas Dress Reform.” A new Warwick t-nronicic. a. charming scenic study, >ind two other comedies complete the

~ 'ir ,’ Uil ', or " f Greyinoiitli (Mr. G ™-ein>d the following ' ■ : " m explains itself; '■ T), O l! ‘ ! - to Pay for t]lo i-.i.i.i - by rat! of all giods other than ml| tton consigned from local committees to file central committee, lor the poor of Great Britain, Ireland and Belgium Relief Enod, j fc understood that Urn Central Committee have made satisfactory arrangements with the shipping companies for the shipping Of cased goods to England. Tim Government desires it. to he known inat, space will he reserved iu the transports shortly leaving New Zealand for as many cases of clothing as possible by these ships. It. is regretted that no perishable goods can he accepted for shipment by the i.i ansports, as there is no refrigerating space available!. If, therefore, your committee is acting as a central committee for your district, I should be glad if you would inform mo at your earliest convenience whether \our committee desires to take advantage of the offer to forward clothing bv these transports, and. if so, wlml the upproximate tomuigo measuroiuoiu would bo, so that it ran he seon whether there is sufficient space available. The whole of the consignments would require to reach Wellington not later than December oth. Cost of transport to Wellington will he borne bv Government.—.l. Hislop, Undar-Secret-ary.” _

Air. H. M. Phillips, piano tuner for .Messrs Webley Sons, and Gofton, Ltd,, ig now in town. Orders left with the Excelsior Book Co. will receive prompt attention.—Advt.

A complete range of casement curtain nets and muslins in cream, ivory, and white, with brass rods and curtain poles; also a selection of drawn thread ,embroidered tray and suppercloths, duchess runners and kfqyles, are now showing.—Misses Addison, —Advt.

A dflishtfiil refrtelier—Watfuin’s

On Tuesday next a: now combined received telegram form and envelopo will bo brought into use at the local Telegraph Office. This form bears on the face of it just above the address tho legend “Now Zealand telegraphic message.” Tho form Ls closed at the back by two gummed and perforated tabs instead of a ‘‘slicker.” On tho tabs are the printed words “Now Zealand telegraphic mossag.j ” and to open tho form tho ends should bo separated at tho perforations. Lost night's Grey Star .says:—.Mr. H. L. Michel, the -Reform candidate for Grey, addressed the electors at Taylorville law night, Mr. Joseph Rollett occupied the chair. Mr. Michel, who spoke for upwards of two hours on the political questions of the day, was accorded at its conclusion, a numerous vote of thanks, the motion being proposed by Mr. W. Watchman and seconded by Mr. H. Boustridge. A similar compliment to the chair concluded proceedings. Drink the patriotic spirit; Watson’s No. 10; always reliable.—Advt.

. ft would appear that farmers iu Aparima and tin- district Intervening thence to Oiautau. have accepted the advice of the .Minister of Lands (Hon W. F. Massey), ami put in an extra acreage of wheat this year, as an uncommon number of wheat crops are to be observed in ibo districts named (says the Otantau Standard), and, despite the lack of growth amongst feed all the crops visible wore looking vigorous and grow thy.

In a case which was heard before tho court at Timnru last week, the question of tho legal ownership of wedding presents came up for discussion (says tho Post). Counsel on one side claimed that presents were considered to belong to the bride only by courtesy, unless they were actually given to the groom. Opposing counsel laid down the law that such presents were legally the property of the bride.

Call for Watson’s No. 10 on all occasions.—Advt.

Mr. C. King, of Namier, and Ills wife are still in Berlin, anti amongst fhose unfortunaie ones who hare io report themselves to the police every morning (says the Hawke’s Bay IL-r----ahl). The High Commissioner has heen using every endeavour io yet monev transmitted to Mr anil M'S

ing, but the Foreign Office would not, undertake the responsibility of arranging this, and fresh .sources are still being tried.

Are yon anticipating Spring Cleaning;* We have an attractive array of Hall Bugs, Carpet Squares, Carpet rnunets .Linoleums, etc., in designs that are new, colours that are tasteful ; prices that are right.—Misses Addison.—Advt.

The promptitude displayed hy Mr. B. Foster in resetting a child from the (linnka Hirer last week averted r

drowning fatality (says the Marlborough Kxpress). Several children were playing in a boat near the railway bridge, and one accident ally I.T into the water. Mr. Foster, who in the vicinity, heard the sere:.ms i the affrighted children, and can the scene of the mishap. I’dmiglng into the river he rescued the child m the nick of lime, and after artificial respiration had heen resorted to the vonngster recovered from the effects ■ the sudden immersion.

Dominion meteorologist last telegraphed the follow ing siim-

ami iiuvcast The barometer i..ibove norma! in the nonli Inn has fallen in the southern disliieU. Since last night varialjli' breezes Imvc prevailed in tlic northern (list riels, lurt in and south-west of (Vmlc Strait freshening northerly and westerly winds have' ruled. The weacher has heen changeable with cloudy skies much in evidence. The present indications an' for north-west to southeast winds, increasing strong to gale in many parts; weather cloudy and misty generally, with rain probably following southwards of Kawhia and Castlepoinl, especially in the eastern and southern districts. The barometer is unsteady with a falling tendency at present.”

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

Sofa Rugs and Hearth Rugs.—The new designs and shades are now ready for the Xmas clearing up. The new Mini her Rug 20a, to 30s; hearthrugs ■ls Od, (Is (id, 8s Cal, and 13s Cd; The now Oriental goods 9s fid, Hr fid. a nd los fid.—W. McKay and Ron, The Leading Drapers, Qreymouth Hokitiuka and Xelson.—Advt.