CASUAL COMMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 15 May 1937, Page 2

CASUAL COMMENT

AND SOME OBSERVATIONS.

(By Observer).

The Coronation has passed into history, but interesting and important as the ceremonial was, and though thoughts were concentrated on the two central figures of the Abbey scenes, memories of the ghost-like figure of a third, must have crossed many minds. Edward, Duke of Windsor, who by his unparalleled act of abdication removed himself from the succession, still occupies many a niche in the public mind, and certainly in the public esteem of many. A biographer has written of. his life and brief reign, and much was been heard of the book, but all the noise and controversy canont delete one jot of his great service to the Empire. The analysis of the Duke’s life is interesting and in some respects very imperative, but there is outstanding always his long years of service as the King’s deputy in many parts of the world, and the remarkable achievements of his tours. Weighed in the balance are not all these sufficient to lift public opinion greatly in his favour, and realise to the full how sincere and earnest was his service to the Empire? And so the tragedy of it all as ’lieelects to follow his own pro- i mpting of heart in his final choice of | helpmate.

In a- review of the life referred to, one writer says: The drama of the ah. dication Air Bolitho tells in a moving narrative. As I read it, 1 confess that: at times I ( wondered whether jhe whole thing was not really a bad dream. Was it possible that Edward VIJI. was not still on the throne? Did he really throw away his opportunities? Mr Bolitho is fair To both sides, and he brings out the swiftness and smoothness of the transition, which so amazed the world, as well as the tragedy of the King’s decision. He gives short" shrift to' the “crazy view” that the Government and vested interests pressed King Edward into abdication. On the issue raised only one stand by the Government was possible. But Air Bolitho makes it clear that there was a difference on the question of social reform between the King and some of his Ministers, if not Cabinet as a whole. Edward was most sincere in

his concern for the poor, and impatient of delays. There were Alinisters who resented his public utterances on the distressed areas.

Incidentally it is worth bearing in mind that the crisis had begun before the King made his tour of those areas in Wales, lo millions of Britons at home and overseas, this difference deepens the tragedy. Here was a King who. despite the restrictions of the Constitution, could have been a leader in mast'drffidillt days of readjustment, but |he chose another road. Mr Bolitho perj mits himself one remark about tin; Duke of Windsor’s future. Edward’s “busy mind and his interest in life, his sympathy and his training as a prince will never fit into the little space of desire.” He would, however, agree that there is truth in the saying 'that to understand all is to forgive all. We cannot know all the truth about Edward now, but Mr Bolitho has tried to tell us what there is to know and to explain it. He presents a picture of a mon who, whatever h’s oiiginal defects of. character may have been, was subjected" to the strain of strong and most exceptional circumstance, so that his life was deprived of influences which, in countless lives of the obscure, make for success' and happiness. It is well for us all to remember that this strain was incurred in our service. The results from gold dredging as indicated by the weekly returns, give an indication of the care with which the preliminary prospecting was carried out. The gold export, from the) West Coast maintains a high average; and the district ranks well with other'

gold producing centres. The new dredge now starting at Barry town and two very large dredges in this neighbourhood, indicate there are still at-

tractive areas on the Coast drawing capital for investment. There is report also of a southern enterprise claiming attention, which means added means of employment. Although the capitalist is discouraged in various quarters by the demands of late awards, it is satisfactory to find the mining industry standing up to the. test. Under favourable conditions mining can be a large employer of labour of the class available here, and care should be exercised in not crippling the industry by immediate demands. The suggestion of a reefing enterprise at the Taipo is another indication that mining is far from petering out on the Coast. The reform'of the motor traffic by the stricter regulations being enforced should be the means of attaining Mr Semple’s objective with regard to saving life. But, the printed regulation will not suffice unless its requirements are enforced. For the protection of the pedestrian it would appear, the speed limit should be watched more closely. There are daily breaches in crossing street intersections at high speed, whije at night speeding appears to come more general. An offender is the unthrottled motor-cyclist who careers along his noisy way making night or early morning a very disturbed t me. It is a difficult job to catch these fly-by-nights after dark or in the early hours, but they are a nuisance in need of definite suppression. Cyclists, too, are slow in conforming with the new regulations, and for their own safety should see their machines equipped properly and observe the new rules of the road for their letter convenience.

Wake up Hokitika, and give practical support to the Musical Society. The organisation is in running order again, and this week brought out some new faces and fresh voices for the community to enjoy. This was the first of four local evenings, and the opening was so I auspicuous that there should be a crowded hall for the next evening. One evening is to be given to West Coast instrumentalists other than local players while there are to be two professional recitals. The year’s programme is to be rounded off with the production of a complete opera in costume. The programme is .certainly progressive and deserves the fullest local support in the matter of membership (the subscription is most reasonable) and patronage at tlie musical evenings. Hokitika in times past has achieved much in musical efforts of no mean ambition, and a revival of the spirit should be at hand with such an opportunity opening up. The talent is here to be brought out, and the Musical Society is organising evidently to that end. Give it practical support. Local initiative in the way of a display on Coronation Day was conspicuous by its absence, but the attentive audience on Cass Square appreciated the presence of the band and the childrens’ march. This feature might have been made much more attractive by the addition of other units. Tn the absence of such it is perhaps not surprising that some thought was given to the matter. Tt is understood the Mayor contemplated turning the first sod of the new water simply. The superintendent of the Fire Brigade had j thoughts of laying the foundation stone I of the new central Fire Station. The I Chairman of .the Hospital Board considered it a splendid opportunity to nosh on the Children’s Ward. The Chairman of the Harbour Board had thoughts about turning the river to the Berthing channel. The head of the Business Mens’ Association favoured starting the new Post Office, while the man in the street had an idea that the new Civil TTall might he put under way. In the meantime these' thoughts are postponed sine die, and will come up for consideration (probably) when the next coronation commemoration is being marked.