WANDERINGS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 119, 18 May 1909, Page 2

WANDERINGS.

V (By. Weary Willie.)- \ >\ ..., "He that spareth the rod hateth his own son; but he that loveth,him chasteneth him betimes." :>y. ■~ '

The published report of the A. and P. Association provides plenty of rood for thought to those who are of a thinking turn of mind. The result ot the election for president came witn something of a shock, but when all the underlying circumstances are taken, into account one may fairly deduce the cause from the effect. Mr McArtney has been a zealous worker during his presidential holding,, and in this connection it is only fair to say that he has been ably seconded by Mr A. McKay in the position of vicepresident. (We will endeavour to forget the little episode of the Food Monopolies Act). It would have been a" graceful action on the part or the Association to "have returned these two gentlemen to their old offices ioi the Jubilee Show. There is no i-ea-son to suspect -that Mr/ McArtney could not act fully up to tjie requirements of the position, and the same thing applies to his "brither facot. . But—how that little word will creep in—but personal liking and esteem were not allowed-to weigh at all in the ; matter\ /The .interests/ of the Association were, supposed to be at stake, and so. the two "Macs" had to make room for the sheep merchants from • Eiverlands way. . . . What were the underlying circumstances? Simply: the Association was not thejmceessful body it should ha^e been. There was a split, and the aristocratic pastoralists—the pure merino—held aloof. They were standing on their "dig," or upon their hilh mountain peaks. They were, anywhere but-in coalition with the farmers. An attempt to mend p the ritt within the lute had proved of no avail. Some of'the "shrewid 'uns" amongst the "plough-boys" were filled with an idea. Meisrs R. J. and S. M.. were fcoth pastoralists, and could■'wieJT a-, ; 4arge influence amongst their brethren ?f the fine wool, breeds. . If the two j highest positions m the giving of the \ llociatton were offered them would j they not wield this influence and .bring • the backsliders back to the fold? Ot course they would. Ergo: a' change took place in the executive heads. > Everybody is extremely sorry for Messrs McArtney and McKay, who are not -exhibitors; only energetic WT^3oregoing iswhat <^W' deduces from the .result of the election for [president and vice-president of .the Maryborough -Agricultural and Pastoral Association. From all accounts the new executive of the A. and P. Association intend to make things "hmn."^ Their programme is a pretty stiff : one to swallow all at once, and^one the old adage :) "Much cry and little wool." "Weary" gives to posterity a new proverb, which may fit the present case: "There is not always a nre when the Bell tolls." _ I remember orice an alarm ot nre, and with others ran to the hre station/ I inquired of a bystander,: - "That Bell' makes plenty of noise; whef/is the fire? "No fire "he answered; "the Bell tolled a lie." \ ■■'■ We have had our alarm; will the "Bell ring true? .- ;

Running ferry punts ls^not bad.business, after all. A profit of £100 in ten weeks. What a chance was lost for a private speculation! The two •Boards, interested at one, tune would jumped at, an.offer from anyone who would have been willing to build run the purit. It will not be long before the cost to the Eoad Boards is wiped out. Will it be free then, I wonder ? Whilst upon this question, "Weary" would like to place upon record his appreciation or the courtesy of the punt-keepers. There are two of them, and both are of a very obliging disposition. "'Weary" has fre■quent occasion to use the boat, and whichever man was on duty he never fails to obtain the utmost civility and attention. His experience is- eri- ' dorsed by dozens of wayfarers, who, like himself, have constantly to use the ferry, and he congratulates the local authority on the possession' o* a couple of efficient geryants.

What shall we do with our boys? Some of them we shall have to' put in gaol if they do not conduct themselves in a more becoming manner. Every night, and particularly Sunday night, a crowd of • young fellows1 line the .street in front of the law courts. They smoke and expectorate upon the pathway, in itself a filthy and disgusting habit; and their language is at times of a particularly lurid nature. ; It is not only bad language that is made use of, but oftentimes protane use is made of the Creator's Holy name. All this in the hearing of passers-by. Another gang congregates under tfie verandahs in Market Street; same sort of thing. The police cannot catch them; they can see the uniform coming, and anyone can tell the sound of a policeman's foot. Each Saturday night some callous youths, make a point of being "funny" at the Salvation Army open air meeting. These youths are not guilty of bad language; they are only foolish children who have managed to give the nurse the slip. ' • ; ■ -