It may be difficult to view the events of the hour in quiet confidence that, though the spectacular advantage so far lies conspicuously with the enemy, the turn of the Allies is coming, when the Germans will find that success in the initial stages of a battle is no criterion of the ultimate issue, and that it is beyond their capacity to carry their ambitious programme into effect. That is the conviction, however, to which we must continue with resolution to adhere so long as the circumstances leave, as they do at present, ample room for a turn of the tide which will greatly alter the complexion of the situation. It may be not altogether a fantastic suggestion that the Germans entertain certain hopes that under the influence of successive shocks the morale of the French and British people may break down in much the same way as that of the Russians did.
Roxburgh news
The Roxburgh district was well represented at the National Apple Show, held in Auckland, and most of the exhibits secured prizes. In the class for Sturmers a well known dessert apple grown practically everywhere in the dominion, and for which there was very keen competition, local growers took all three prizes. The same applied to Jonathans. In 12 dessert and cooking varieties, six dessert varieties, and six cooking varieties, local exhibitors annexed first prize, and it is worthy of note that the prize for six dessert varieties has come to this district at each of the three National Shows, the same grower winning with the same varieties on each occasion. The growers who attended the show returned firmly convinced that Otago occupies pride of place in apples and pears, and in all varieties in which it entered into competition with other provinces.
Pacific timber rafting
To float 60,000 tons of oregon timber, with the aid of six Diesel engines, from the United States to Australia, is the scheme which a syndicate of Australians has submitted to one of the largest timber exporters of Seattle. Senator R. S. Guthrie, who knows the details of the scheme, states that the idea was that of Captain Jorgensen, who brought out the small vessel True Blue, of 14 tons, from England to Australia, some years ago. He was afterwards engaged as master of the steamer South Africa in bringing explosives between Africa and Australia. The scheme is to float the timber in the form of a huge raft. The outside timbers would be bolted, so as to keep the mass firm. The engines would be so placed to assist steering, and to aid in propulsion, but the raft would rely mostly on three masts for its progress.
Cabins would be built on top of the logs for the accommodation of the crew. The timer, it is proposed to import is chiefly for mining purposes. Senator Guthrie thinks that the scheme is possible. He says he remembers that in the old days vast quantities of timber were taken across the Western Ocean from Quebec to Greenock in wooden vessels, so old that they had to be lashed together with chains to ensure that they would not tumble to pieces on the voyage. — ODT, 4.6.1918.
