While the statement is lacking in definiteness, we need have no doubt that further action on Germany’s part in the direction of peace manoeuvres is in train. The State Department in Washington sees only another attempt to fool the Allies in the changes in the German Chancellorship, which have now brought a Badener into that office in succession to a Bavarian, the Prussians being in the meantime kept discreetly in the background. It also surmises that the new peace move, launched concurrently with a scheme of questionable sincerity for democratising the political system of Germany, merely constitutes a fresh effort to destroy the unity of the Allies.
Ross Home opens
The official opening of the Ross Home for aged persons was held on Saturday afternoon, there being a very large attendance of the public. The building, which occupies the centre of the frontage of a 10-acre block of land presented by Mr John Ross, and situated in Normanby, is of brick, and is of attractive appearance. The plans were prepared by Mr W. H. Dunning (architect), and Messrs Fletcher Bros. were the contractors for the erection of the building. The edifice faces the west, and the northern end is intended for female inmates and the south arm for those of the sterner sex, in addition to which accommodation is also provided for married couples. The rooms and living quarters of the old people are cheerful, and while small dormitories are to be utilised at present, the idea is that the inmates should have as much privacy as possible. In any case, the rooms which it is intended to use as dormitories will be partitioned off into suitable-sized cubicles, or small rooms,to accommodate one person. A portion of the upstairs part of the building is intended for the accommodation of the staff. The opening ceremony was to have been performed by the Acting Prime Minister (Sir James Allen), but on Friday the committee received the following telegram from him:- ‘‘Owing to the Maori not leaving Wellington till daylight this morning, I deeply regret that it is not possible to reach Dunedin till Saturday night. I trust you will be able to arrange for someone else to perform the opening ceremony for the home for the aged, which I am sure will be a great comfort to inmates. I wish you all success.’’ Arrangements for the opening ceremony were so far advanced that the committee found postponement impossible.
Spanish flu spreads
CAPETOWN: The spread of Spanish influenza is assuming unprecedented proportions, and nothing like it has ever been known. Every industry and public department are more or less seriously affected. The epidemic is apparently reaching its height on the Rand, but it is increasing in Capetown, while at Kimberley 200 deaths are reported amongst the natives. — ODT, 7.10.1918
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