The Wandering Pen

Northland Age, Volume 5, Issue 23, 6 March 1936, Page 1

The Wandering Pen

Those responsible for arranging the hours for interviewing the Member for the constituency have surely done the community dis-service. Since childhood we have had the advice drummed into us that there is, or should be, a time and place for everything. In this case the place is as it should be, but the time sadly irregular. The only fitting conclusion to a political interview in such circumstances would be the harrowing expression, “time, gentlemen, please.” * * * * Several tons of cargo—mostly manure— were lost in the collapse of Mangonui wharf. Undoubtedly a tragedy ; but why the manure? The geological survey of the county would probably indicate at least a two-thirds proportion of manure. There might not be a local list of subject for blood transfusion, but there are at least a few boat-repairers in the locality who would be prepared to make good this loss. * * * * Some time must necessarily elapse before the additional staff will be available for service in the field. This might appear to refer to the ItaloEthiopian dispute, but on closer examination is a declaration of war by the Director of Dental Hygiene, who is organizing a punitive expedition to Kaitaia. It may not have occurred to the Director that it is at least a century since we left the cannibalistic stage. The visit of military aeroplanes may be of more significance than we have as yet attached to it. * * * # Local fishermen have been busy overhauling their gear for what promises to be a phenominal season. Grave fears are entertained that there might be a dearth of craft for the purpose. Enterprising business men would be well advised to get in on the ground floor as it were by forming a syndicate before the larger chemical works people come on the scene. No, Mangonui is not opening up as a big-game fishing ground, but Kaitaia’s main street is to be sealed with cold emulsion. it was intended to proceed with tnls work before the summer in order

has now been decided to defer the matter until winter for two very good reasons. In the first place because the fish from which the emulsion is obtained do not frequent these waters, and secondly because the sealing in mid-winter will tend to render inhabitants immune from colds. « * * • The proposal to request the dealer in athletic footwear (who has promised to visit us) to erect a lighthouse at the approach to the town has not found favour. The difference of opinion in the matter is not over the lighthouse itself but the proposed locality. It often happens with these matters of argument however, that they are eventually decided by factors outside the provisions of the participants, and this case is no exception. The rescue of library books by a prominent citizen from an area subject to tidal waves in threatening weather, has thrown the concensus of opinion to the south end of the town, and if it be possible to dismantle and re-erect the machine shed belonging to the County Council on one of the many local scenic reserves, the lighthouse will be accorded that imposing site. There does not appear to be any truth in the rumour that the cut is to be widened to permit access of the Government lighthouse ship “Matai.” Following upon her recent trouble at Rawene it is not expected that she will endeavour to reach Kaitaia, and it is definitely asserted that the project has been abandoned. f # * * It is reported that as the opening of the County Hospital has been again postponed owing to the unavoidable change of Government, for which the Board cannot undertake full responsibility, it has been suggested that a remit be brought down at the next Hospital Boards’ Conference to the effect that Governments be requested to remain in office for at least ten year periods as the frequent changes tend to disrupt the life of rural communities. It is a matter of regret that the institution is still closed, but it is anticipated that when the building is opened there will be an influx