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This newspaper page contains 21 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Ashburton Guardian
Location
Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand
Date
May 19, 1909
Page
4
Dr Gustave Le Bon predicts within five years science could harness parallel Hertzian waves to disable arsenals and ships, rendering war impractical. He warns massed fleets and mirrors would be needed, and notes the potential for vast destruction before peace is achieved.
After Spitzbergen return, Mr Wellman and chief engineer Mr Melvin Vaniman refine a steerable airship in Paris for a 1907 North Pole attempt. The 800,000 cubic foot cigar envelope, 18 ½ feet long and 52 feet wide, carries 80 h.p. motor, two tons fuel, and gear for three explorers and supplies. They stress weather dependence and eight months of provisions for the Arctic mission.
A letter to the editor urges strict Sabbath observance as essential to England's greatness. The writer condemns Sunday work and mail handling that would commercialize the day, urging authorities to preserve sacred rest and worship for the nation's youth and moral health.
An Irish reader criticizes Irish emigration and policy, contrasting population trends with Scotland and blaming laws for sending life-blood abroad. He appeals for defense of the weak and humane governance, ending with praise for the newspaper’s leaders and wishes for its continued courage. Ashburton, May 17.
The obituary recounts Mr Reader Harris a principled leader in the Pentecostal movement. A tale shows how he refused a 50 guinea bribe to secure a liquor license for a railway firm, later rejecting a 100 guinea offer. The director reveals colleagues bet on Harris accepting, proving his steadfast honesty.
Stockholm inventor M Sjogren unveils a 12 gauge automatic repeating shotgun with a five cartridge magazine and inertial breech block for instant re cocking. Demonstrations at Hythe School of Musketry show rates up to 1125 shots per hour, prompting NRA officials to compare to a miniature Maxim gun.
The Hon Dr Findlay meets a deputation from the Auckland Prisoners' Aid Society. The group says about two hundred prisoners yearly receive aid and urges reforms including secular and religious instruction, single cells on tree-planting stations, better discipline, and improved classification to separate first offenders from hardened criminals.
A Wellington deputation from the Chamber of Commerce pressed Dr Findlay on bankruptcy laws urging against using Public Trustee officers as Official Assignees and favoring approved trade appointees. Findlay noted Cabinet would consider the proposal and that economy might come from scrapping independent Official Assignees. Auctioneering firms planned a deputation to the Internal Affairs Minister to back amendments favored by New Zealand auctioneers.
Mana Watu Racing Club officials reject Dr Vinlay’s remarks on bookmakers licenses. The club approves license applications through a special committee, with final police and private detective approval, and bans unapproved bookmakers from the course. An official notes bookmakers’ financial stability cannot be assessed without a Tattersall's Club.
A bill introduced in the Icelandic Parliament would ban all imports and sales of intoxicants in any form, even in foods. Ships entering Iceland would have their alcohol stocks sealed in Teelandic waters and released only on departure. Government would import and sell alcohol in denatured form for manufacturing and medicinal use.
Princess Alexandra daughter of the Duke of Fife and granddaughter of King Edward XIII was to be presented at May Courts but asked to defer until 1910. Her sister Princess Maud will join her then. The duo, born 1891 and 1893, have lived a retired life at Brighton and later in the Highlands.
Captain Hugo, Inspector of Fire Bergaden, says NZ fire losses average at least £500000 yearly. He cites causes such as wooden dwellings with flammable partitions and gaps aiding flames. Plaster partitions and brick houses reduce spread. fewer chimney faults and banning accumulation of empty cases and straw could cut fires.
Auction notice for 2000 acres of land in North Canterbury with homesteads at various prices from 4 to 14 shillings per acre and a 190 deposit. Also 6000 acres with no homestead at 0 per acre and 1000 acres without homestead at 27 per acre. PAPANUS STORES LTD Mor Bale seeks buyers. turnover £10,000 yearly. Apply to Davreux, King and Co Ltd.
May 18 Greymouth report notes the Minister of Railways was asked to back government purchase of steam colliers to haul state coal. He would refer the matter to the Mines Minister and said he personally did not want more steamers, arguing cheaper coal transport if the government owned colliers. Freight figures to Wellington Lyttelton and Dunedin are given.
The article notes that fear of premature burial led several prominent individuals to arrange procedures or body alterations. Harriet Martineau left money to amputate her head, Lady Burton asked for heart piercing, Edmund Yates provided for jugular severing, and writers and clerics such as Berkeley Lytton Andersen and Collings sought protection from premature burial.
The Daily Mail reports January gloom as the German government struggles to pass 25 million in new taxes centered on death duties. The Conservative and Catholic Centre oppose the plan, risking a bloc split and possible dissolution unless a compromise is found.
A Wellington area ad promotes custom tailored suits at about two to three pounds, cut by top designers and made in modern lines to undercut credit tailors. It claims no credit or bad debts, urging customers to pay for what they receive and to avoid paying for others’ mistakes. Address listed at The Arcade and multiple New Zealand towns.
LLEWELLYN OWEN a musician and teacher offers instruction in all branches of music and is prepared for examinations conducted by English academics.
Readers recount Lane's Emulsion aiding asthma bronchitis and weak lungs. Letters praise body building, recovery from illness, and improved appetites. The ad claims wide physician backing and high sales, urging purchase at four shillings sixpence or two shillings sixpence and to send testimonials to Lane Medicine Coy.
Advertisement claims Rheumo cures rheumatism gout lumbago and related ailments after long suffering. It asserts thousands of cures and low cost, urging chemists and stores to stock the remedy at 22 Aid. and 46 Gd.
Readers can secure subscriptions to The Motor Autocar Motoring New Zealand Partner Bulletin Scientific American and more by contacting CHAS THOMAS Book Seller Stationer at East Street Achburton or via telephone 120.
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