Random Shots

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 289, 6 December 1930, Page 2 (Supplement)

Random Shots

SMMDEC

Now that the "boxing Marquess" is a member of the House of Commons, on the,. Conservative side, come of the Clydesiders will have to be careful whom they call names. "We also note" (says a Labour statement) "that Mr. Justice Frazer has been trying some kite flying." One has little doubt that if his Honor tried to fly kites he would make a very good Job of it. There must be very few industries, youthful or adult, of which he does not know a good deal. "I love fielding," says Don Bradman, "and I would just as soon field as bat, anytime." The Englishmen who fielded when Bradman was making double and triple centuries, will certainly hope that in future his love for fielding will become all-absorbing. Much is expected of the Unemployment Board, so much that if there is still a considerable number of unemployment next year the public will certainly blame the board. Perhaps that is one possibility which is regarded with equanimity by the Government. "Prominent bookmakers (in Sydney) declare that tlio proposed tax on winnings will kill racing altogether." But why? If only winnings are taxed every punter may still hope to bo a winner and if it isn't the hope that impels a man to continue betting on racehorses, what can it be? Correspondents, apparently born jn the United Kingdom, have been criticising New Zealand's climate, which they say

is much over-rated. "Deluded, I came to the Dominion in search of sunshine," says one, "and found grey and dripping skies." Of course there must be some reason for calling New Zealand the "Britain of the Antipodes." "We are not stopping any of you from selling stamps," said the PostmasterGeneral to a deputation of booksellers, "but what we are taking away is the discount." ■ Does the Government's conception of "more business in Government" include the notion that private business people should work for the Government for nothing Much satisfaction is expressed with the result of the first experiment with the five-shilling totalisator. Apparently there is also some surprise. It had not occurred to racing authorities in general that more people would "have a bet" if th'ey were graciously permitted to bet amounts that they could afford. "The Malolo broke the record for the voyage across the Tasman by about three hours." And yet, one supposes, not a passenger on board the recordbreaking ship cared a cent whether she arrived three hours early or three hours late. One is reminded of the story of the distinguished Japanese statesman whose secretary explained to him, on arrival in New York, that by taking a certain route to their hotel they would save eight minutes. "Excellent," said the Japanese; "what shall we do with .them?" ... . • • , Finding the Auckland railway station closed between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sundays, travellers have waxed indignant at the Railway Department's expense. Their indignation, no doubt, would have been equally great had they chanced not to be travellers, and seen the railway station open—and idle—between, the. hours, named. With some people a Government Department can't do right, unless, perhaps,, it is making big profits, and then they say it has no right to make profits.

Wireless is rometimes a disadvantage. On one day this week it appeared that a steamer was sinking a considerable distance off the New Zealand coast, for its S.O.S. had been heard. Some people visualised a rush of rescue ships from Auckland to the distressed vessel. Later it appeared that the ship was, indeed, a considerable distance from us—somewhere off Hongkong. For some reason human sympathy cannot easily be aroused for anything that is several thousand miles away. If it could, perhaps wo might spend our lives being sorry for unfortunate people overseas. Waikato racing clubs are considering the curtailment of privileges long to many of their patrons. It seems that, for instance, the person who nominates a horse, even though it does not start, has been entitled to free admission tickets on two days, with two luncheon and two afternoon tea tickets, and two ladies' tickets, of the total value of £2 10/. It certainly appears a generous privilege, but if the clubs wish to avoid trouble they should on no account abolish free ladies' tickets. Hell knows no fury worse than a racing patroness who has to pay to get in.