The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1908. SCIENCE AND THE PANAMA CANAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2294, 12 September 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1908. SCIENCE AND THE PANAMA CANAL.

The completion of the Panama Canal, though still some years ahead, i-5 practically already accomplished. Success 'has boon made possible, not by American excavators, or other up-to-date machinery, hut by the labors of some scientific medical men working with modern microscopes. The unfortunate De Lesseps, who planned and began this gigantic work, was merely able to excavate enough to form a melancholy grave for his own great reputation. The intrepid Frenchmen who threw themselves into the work with magnificent eqnmge and enthusiasm were beaten at last by the deadly power of malaria and yellow-fever. They were equipped with all the materials for digging the narrow trench tln.it is to separate two continents and' change the face of the world, but they had the misfortune to undertake the project .a few years too soon. The mortality among the French laborers from malaria and yellow-fever was appalling. From 1881 to 1889, in one hospital, the French lost 1,200 out of 3,000 men from yellow-fever .alone. Notwithstanding the certainty that every second porson died of yellowfever, the French workmen struggled on with splendid heroism until the original force was decimated and no ono was found willing to step into their places. Their own countryman, Laveraii, .hid already proved that malaria depended on a microscopic organism, and thus laid tho first stone by which others wero to succeed where France had failed. Major Ronald Ross, tan English army surgeon, twenty years later proved that a particular species of mosquito was the carrier of malarial infection. Following Ross, an American medicul commission proved that a gnat or mosquito (Stegoinyia fasciata) was able in a similar manner to carry tho infection of yellow-fever. Tho correctness of the conclusion was proved by the unfortunate fact that Dr. Lazoar, a member of the commission, contracted yellow-fevor from the bite of a mosquito under observation, and died from tho disease. The practical value 0 f the campaign of Ross and others in Africa against the malaria-transmitting mosquito was very soon conclusively demonstrated and universally accepted. The next step towards success in Panama camo from Havana. After the American occupation of Cuba, Havana was found to he a hot-bed of yellowfever, and it was there that the proof of transmission by ail insect was made. Colonel Gorga6, tin American medical officer, thereupon undertook a system of prevention in Havana based on mosquito-destruction and the protection of fever-patients from mosquito bites, with the result that yellow-fever was entirely stamped out in a few months. Gorgas was transferred to Panama, and the result of his labor there has been to render the American territory one of the healthiest places in the world. The Americans, whose strip is six miles in width began by vigorous cleansing of towns and villages. The icities of Panama and Colon were sewered and given fresh water supplies. Then a very completely-organised attack was made on the mosquito. The details were worked out.with exemplary patience and skill, and the result has surpassed the most hopeful predictions. In something under three years yellow-fever has been banished from the locality, and malaria decreased to such an extent that its incidence is trivial. The death-rate for December, 1907, among 45,000 persons (33,000 colored and 12,000 white) employed on the canal works was only 18 per 1,000 per annum—a rate considerably smaller than that of many great world-cities. S 0 far from being naturally repellent, the Isthmus of Panama is, according to Colonel Gorgas, (i a pretty and attractive country, with pleasant climatic conditions.”

Tlii' Cinderella Assembly lias made arrangements for a social to be held in ISr.s’k file’s Hall on Tlnirsdav next. A special feature of the entertainment is to be a waltzing competition for valuable prizes. Arrangements have been made to specially prepare the dancing floor for the occasion. The Citizens’ Concert, which is to ho given in Ilis Majesty’s 'J lieatro on Thursday, October Ist., promises to lie most successful. The committee nr© arranging a most attractive programme, and there should be it crowded house.

A lecture, entitled “Egypt Under the Pharoalis,” will be given ill the Salvation Army Citadel on Thursday evening next. The lecturo will be illustrated liy limelight views, and should prove both interesting and instructive.

A largo number of tenders were received yesterday for supplies of provisions, clothing, and other articles, for the Hospital and Old Men’s Homo. The secretary to tho Hospital '1 rustees will work out a comparative table of the tenders, which will bo submitted to tho next meeting of tho Board.

Tho services at Wesley Church to morrow will he conducted by the Rev. C. Griffin. In the morning tho subject- will be “Christ’s Better to the Church at Pergamos,” and in the evening “Whv God takes Notice of Man.” Tlie Young People’s Bible Class incots in tho afternoon. Mr. Griffin will conduct service at Ormond in tho afternoon.

A mooting of the Civil Service and Citizens’ Co-operativo Bakery, Ltd., was held last evening, when the rules of the society were confirmed. Jhe meeting decided to appoint cailvassors to collect share money and to canvass for new shareholders. f lho shares a'ready applied for were allotted, and a largo number of new shareholders joined tho society. A new method of resuscitation of the apparently drowned has been adopted by the" Royal Life -saving Sociotv. The patient is laid face downwards, and natural breathing is oncouraged by gentle and regular pres* sure on tho lower ribs at the rate of about 15 times per minute. This action is described in the society s latest handbook. A reminder is given of tlio address to be given by Mr. J. A. Black in Ifi6 Majesty’s Theatre to-morrow. Mr. Black conies to Gisbonio with an excellent record as a speaker. On Tuesday and Wednesday next lie lectures in "the same place. On Monday the theatre being engaged, ho will speak, in one of tho country townships, and on Thursday at Tologa Bay. On Inday he will deliver an open-air address from the steps of tho Siovwright memorial.

The Gisbonio Private Band will play on a balcony in Gladstone Road this evening under the conductorship of Mr. D. McKijlop, when the following programme will be,submitted: March, “Royal Rifles” (Dalby); overture, “Crown of Honor” (O. Richards); intermezzo, “Iola” (C. L. Johnson); quick-step, “Italian Royal” (F. S. Gilmer); valse, “Syringa” (Gortrudo Taylor); seliottische, “Knockabout (Southwell); “God Save tlie King. The business people of Gisborne are taking great interest in the advertising possibilities of the poster and fancy dress ball which is to be held in His Majesty’s Theatre on Thursday, September 24th, A largo number of advertising costumes are being prepared locallv, and others are being brought from the larger centres. Tlie ball-room floor should present a very gay appearance, as some unique designs in posters have been thought out.

Quite a little crowd of people gathered together in Palmerston lloaci yesterday afternoon, wliitlier two diminutive schoolboys had repaired to settle some grievance, which had evidently arisen during tho day. Regardless of the remonstrances of several passers-by and the presence of. some ladies, tho youthful combatants continued their bloodthirsty pursuit, but fortunately with little damage to oithor. The timely arrival of a member of the teaching staff caused tho unlawful assembly to disperse, as if by magic. The funeral of Mr. James O’Reilly McCabo takes place to-day, leaving the Hospital at 2.30 p.m. Tho deceased, who was a son or Mr. Clias. M. McCabe, one of the oldest identities of tho Waikato district, had been in Gisborne for some three years, and had been engaged 1 in bis profession of surveyor. He was taken suddenly ill on Thursday, and died a few hours later. As a member of tlie A.C. force in 1881, Mr. McCabe acted as guide to the then Native,Minister, from Waikato to Taranaki, and took part in the relief of Pnrihaka. He then passed his examination for surveyor in the South Island, and entered the Government- service, but of late years had been practising privately. Deceased -leaves a wife in Nelson, and also a son, who is in the Government Lands Office in that town.

A concert was given on Thursday night in the Patutahi Hull by the pupils of Miss Fisliendcn, when the following programme was gone through: Drama, “Matchmakers,” the characters being sustained by Misses Jinnio Hahgood, Marion McKenzie, Daisy Hill, Nellie Angland, Delia Ar.giaiul, Mollie McLaughlin, Nora McKenzie, Ella Morrow, and Kimi Sergant: Master Frank Jones, with his two comic recitations, kept the house in screams of laughter, as also did Master S. Tait with his two songs, “My Bob-tailed Coat” and “Billie Muggins.” A scarf dance was pret-tily-'danced by eight of the girls. Miss Gladius Lucas danced a Gipsy dance, and the Misses Delia and Nellie Angland danced the Irish Jig in good style. Master Claude Pratt aiid Miss Dolly Aston sang tlic “Bull Frog and the Coon” and “Will you be out tonight.” Master Claude and Miss Dolly made a great success in tlio latter song, for which they were encored and re-encored. The dance which followed the concert was most enjoyable, Mr. Wootton supplying the music, ahd Miss Jinnio liabgood the extras. The duties of M-C. were carried out by Mr. Morrow, and a supper was served by the pupils. The efforts of the Young Turkish Party, whoso actions have been much commented on of late, to do away with the secret police supervision and the plurality of wives, is meeting with such success that this week it’s nutmeg graters for one penny each at Parnell’s Popular Saturday Sales, 12th inst. only. The shipwrecked sailor, on the reef Was captured by the Cannibal chief, Who had a dreadful coldl The sailor offered him that sure, Safe remedy: Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure! It saved the savage woolly-haired, And in his gratitude he spared The mariner wise and bold.

The Rev. T. A. Norrio, of Auckland, , ifc because wo are foreigners? I will preach to-morrow- it Miitnwhoro l« it because wo have no money? Is r ,‘i ri ') 'tn i n nI ni PntuLahi it because wo are bail eliuraetors? Is •Vf 7 „ i - d 01 ' iatulam , b bwjn . uso wo aro b , ( . akol . s of the low ~,,,, T , ~ • or uulioalUiy? Or is it bocaus'o wo “Ibo Problem of Intoniporanco is f laKy? » exclaims, in a Jotter the Uio title ol an article written by Oi - ' spokesman of a number of Syrians Gerard Smith which appeals m to- )uj , li(xl to tu j cu ~art in u ballot ‘lay a supplement. in Wellington for some sections of The subject - at St. Andrew’s Church j all j allien took place on August 28, to-morrow night touches closely a cer- al) j wcro rejected as "unsuitable.” tain section of both sexes, viz., p| lc coinjilaiiiatile appear to believe “Gaslimu saitli it.” that they have been the victims of Sheridan’s Comedy Company, which injustice, but they have,- seemingly, were duo to play a season in Gisborne misunderstood the regulu lions. A commencing September 21st, have “post” reporter was informed in the cancelled the booking, and will not. oliiee of tlio Commissioner for Crown appear. Lunds that inquiry showed the SyLadics arc specially catered for in rial, applicants to be hawkers and a number of attractive articles pah- dealers in lancy goods, they have lislied in to-day’s supplement, “lly- no experiencei pi farming of any sort, gia” contributes another of her in- 1 heroloro, acting m accoidunco wall teresting talks on “Our Babies.” its powors, the Land hoard cut them The Gisborne City Band gave an out of the bulot ** open-air concert on Trafalgar Rotun- aaul, bad nothin,, io i o «' lb 11 c da last evening under Conductor Law- mnttei . Biitons, übo ueie Bimilai y ronco. There was a Bimill attendance unquahhai to giioiitim of Uio public; but the bright music alf ’° excluded from tin ballot, was greatly enjoyed. A meeting of the Freezers’ Union will bo held in Townloy’s Hall on Monday evening next, to consider an application for the enforcement of tlio award. The secretary also asks ail unemployed members to register their names oil the unemployed list. Mr. M 7. 1). S. Macdonald met his committee at To Karaka on Tuesday evening, and gave a brief outline of his political vietvs. Mr. Macdonald reports that ho is meeting with almost unanimous support in that dis trict

A “two-up” school at Nguhauranga, near Wellington,, which is said to have been in existence for the past ton years, was broken in- upon by tho police a few days ago. The “Dominion” states that tho school started in a small way, but of lato recruits of an undesirablo class"from the city have honored tlio gathering with their company, with tlio result that a 'number of complaints were received by the Wellington police from residents of Ngaliauranga. It is •stated that tlio players and spectators scattered in all directions at tlio approach of the police, some of them taking considerable risk to their limbs in the enthusiastic dash which they made to keep clear of the constables. Tlie more undesirable, element which the city contributed to the school is said to have introduced numerous shady practices into an already illegal game. Two-headed pennies, and gilded farthings are stated to have been included in tho stock-In trade of some of the gamesters from town. A 'number of players, who wore present at tlio time of the raid, aro •said to bo well-known to the police, but none of them wore caught redliandcd.

The “Lyttelton Times” says:—lf wo were quite sure that Mr. Massey, and Mr. James Allen were sincere in their advocacy of proportional representation wc should bo half prepared to submit to two or three years of Conservative government, for the sake of a reform that would do more to purify and elevate the political life of tho dominion than any other proposal that lias ever been put before the electors. There is no reason, of conrso, why tho party in power should not change the present uncertain and clumsy method of electing members of Parlinicnt for a certain and. scientific method, but. unfortunately, Ministers are all alike in their reluctance to 'kick away tho ladder by -which they have mounted to olfice.

Tlio “Otago Daily Times” states that inquiries amongst tho Dunedin labor agents go to show that there is at tho present time a strong demand from tlie country for general farm laborers, but that a decided difficulty is found in meeting the farmers’ wants. One firm of agents stated that they had at the present time demands for as many as fifty-six hands, principally men who could till the land, also milkers and farm lads. The country was being cut all round, .and there had been no learners coining forward, with tlie result that experienced hands were very limited in number. It is believed that- right on until shearing and harvesting are over the Otago market will be extremely pinched for experienced farm hands. It was stated that quite a number of men who call and ask for employment flatly decline to go out into tlio country, preferring to remain in the city.

Tho following is an extract from an article in tho Wellington “Post”:— “Hero follows the statement of James Dalryniple, as manager for the Glasgow city tramways (everywhere quoted as a model of successful municipal operation), made to nil American journal. It should bo repeated twice daily by every 'Wellington alderman alter ho bad said his prayers. Tho Mayor should repeat .it not less than nine times daily in the same circumstances: ‘The average profit of the street-car business is one-fifth of a cent por passenger. It is a narrow margin, and requires the closest economy in the management to maintain it. The least extravagance would wipe it out. It is the easiest- tiling in the world to turn profit into loss at the oiul of the year. Street railway operation is risky, municipal operation is dangerous; if a city takes over its lines and does not manage in tho most economical way on the soundest-, truest business basis, it will fail in every respect. Municipal management is subject to two serious drawbacks. Tho first is the public pressure for reduced fares or longer journey for the standard fares—a pressure for greater -advantages than the tramwav system can give while maintaining its proper profit. Tlio second is the pressure to increase the number of employees, and tlio pressure of political influence affecting control, with the danger of wasteful or inefficient service.’ ”

There are too evident signs that in Wellington, in more than a mild way, incipient “pushes” are following in the broad path of excitement, worklessness, and all sorts of misconduct trod by brethren overseas years ago (says tho “Post”). A boys’ gang in Wades town was lately punished at tlie S.M. Court for wilful mischief and bad language. The “Tigers” of Kilbirnio enjoy well-earned notoriety for their disregard of the law, and now there is a gang of small warriors whoso chief air and ideal is to annoy and molest the shopkeeping Celestial. It is called tho “Chow Bashers’ Gang,” and operates about Torystreet. It is alleged that aspiring larrikins can only gain admission by forcing such unwelcome -attention as stones through the windows of stores run by Chinese. -On tlio same principle admission to Melbourne’s notorious “pushes” was gained only by knocking a policeman down, stoning and kicking him, or some such feat of savagery. Tho local boys’ gang is under surveillance by the polico, and there -is Vi possibility of somo of them appearing at court at an early date.

A virtuous Mr. Laurenson had a fit of repentance in tho House of Representatives last night. In his time he has voted with the big battalions (says the “Wellington Post”) which helped to make tho three golden balls, rampart, on a field unlimited, a fitting coat of arms for New Zealand ;-but lie begs forgiveness for past sins, and people may now expect to see him preaching a holy war against borrowing. Just before tho third reading of the Auckland Harbor Board Loan and Empowering Bill was passed, Lyttelton’s member rose and declared that the country was going in for a “financial drunk” His voice gathered volume as his argument proceeded. “I protest against this saturnalia of borrowing,” lie cried, in an impressive peroration. Alas for Mr. Laurenson! Mr. Massey blackened one eve, and the Prime Minister gently discolored the other. Sir Joseph politely smote Mr. Laurenson, who is chairman of the Lyttelton Harbor Board, with tho Christchurch canal scheme, and Mr. Massey, more by way of soft rebuke than wrath, flickered with the costly cliange-of-capital scheme, which Mr. Laurenson lustily advocated. Tlie preacher was much open to the “tu quoquo” retort, but his sermon was valuable for all that. If a parson does not practice what he preaches, that fact does not necessarily convert- tho sense of ages into nonsense. Mr. Laurenson could have put a few more touches into his “financial drunk” picture. The “drunk” out for the night drinks on and on till the bar is closed against him. Long after the shutters aro up lie may try to get more liquor—then comes the dull, heavy sleep, the awakening and tlie “head.” The more some men drink .the more they want to drink; the more the country wants to borrow. A loan is like a nip: it- excites the desire for another. It is fondly prayed that Now eZaland, which has a. nice lot of financial 10 U’s, will not get the financial D.T.’b.

At the Police Court yesterday morning. before Mr. W. A. Barton. S.M., a first offender for drunkenness was convicted ‘and dealt with in the customary manner.

A sum of £BIO. privately subscribed, is in hand for the establishment of a crematorium in Wellington. This sum includes tlio donation o! £4OO made by - Miss Studholme. A further sum of £4OO has been voted by the City Council.

“Wo still have the old difficulty in getting a sufficient number of girls in Wellington lor our clothing and cosluino factory,” remarked the chairman (Mr Exley) of the Wellington Woollen Manufacturing Company at tlio annual meeting of shareholders! Ho addod: “Wo have decided to rent a largor warehouse for our Christchurch branch so that a certain quantity of clothing can ho made up on the premises tlioro. This should enable the clothing department to eornploto orders more promptly and avoid arrears, which cause accumulation in the stock of tweeds.”

Some timo ago the Christchurch City Council offered a prizo for tlio bust design for a now seal for tho city, and a largo number, ranging from the reasonable to tho utterly impossible, were sent in. It was subsequently decided that none of the designs could bo used, hut that the prize of £5 should still be awarded. Tho design selected as the winner is a hold black and white scheme, typifying chiefly tho Avon and its willows. and was the work of Miss Pansy A. L. Ford, to whom the prize has accordingly been '.awarded.

One evening, as I stood on Admiralty steps, a boat from tho Powerful came in (writes Mr. Donald MacDonald in an article on the Fleet festivities in Sydney). Tho oar 6 were lifted as one, everything was smart, Mild Uniform as clockwork, and an American first lieutenant standing by, said to a comrade, “I’d give one of my eyes for a ship’s company of those fellows. You can’t keep our men to that pitch.” While affecting to disregard style in favor of effect, tlioro is not a shadow of doubt that every American naval officer desires and secretly envies the British man-of-war her fine discipline.

“If I could sell out and got rid of lily plant I would do so, and glad to be on my own again,” averred an engineering employer in the Arbitration Court in Wellington, after handing in :i statement of his business and income roturns during the past year. “I work nearly seventy hours a week, and I calculate I make out of it about Is an hour or under. Tho men I pay get more than I earn. I have to ■spend two or three hours every day doing over again the work thoy are supposed to have done. One job cost me £6 17s 3d, and I got 17s for it.”

Although, taken as a whole, Wanganui has reason to bo well pleased with the results which have followed tho municipilisation of the gas supply, tho consumers., have never been given the full measure of benefit which they ought to have derived from tho enterprise (remarks the “Chronicle”). Gas is certainly cheaper than it was before tho Corporation undertook the control of the service. Further than that, it must be conceded that tho price charged for gas in Wanganui compares favorably with the prices obtaining in other centres. Nevertheless, the fact remains that our gas is not so cheap as it ought to bo, and that it- never will lie go long as a large oart of the profits continue to be allocated in relief of rates.

A very enjoyable social was hold in Erslcino’s Hall last evening by the Gisborne Ladies’ Hockey Club as a conclusion to the hockey season, there being about 35 couples present. During the evening the Rev. Cockerill presented the following prizes won by members of the club: Miss D. Osborne, gold bracelet, for the best back in senior team; Miss V. Warren, gold brooch, for best all-round player: Miss V'. Walters, hockey stick, for good attendance, and all-round play; Miss M. Somervell, gold brooch presented by the Wapiti (Napier) Ladies’ Club; Miss E. Fromm, silver shoehorn and button-hook, for the best back in junior team; Miss N. Cockerill, silver-mounted purse, for best forward. Presentations of framed enlarged photographs of the club were also presented to Messrs 0. R. Olsen and J. J. Martin for their valuable services to the club during tho season.

Sergeant John Pa ton, an old Mutiny veteran and V.C., who for fortyfive years was employed as warder or gaol governor in the Penal Department of New South Wales, relates to “Paulding’s Medical and Home Journal” an incident of his soldiering days:—“l once struck o ur Sovereign. I was at Chobliam Camp, busy cleaning my accoutrements, which wore all spread out on the ground, when a young slip of a boy came walking towards nio kicking things out of his way. ‘Clear out, I roared; but .he came smilingly on, so I just went towards him and clipped him under the ear. I was furious at his daring to walk over my most sacred possessions. ‘Do you know what you’ve done?’ a fellow-soldier asked, with an awestruck face. ‘Yes,’ I replied; ‘taught a young cub manners!’ ‘Good Lord, it’s the Prince of Wales!’ Well, well —lie’s now King, and I’m an old man.”