CURRENT TOPICS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8178, 20 July 1912, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS

"UNITED WE STAND." A long discussion took place at last night’s meeting of the representatives of tho country racing clubs on a suggestion to establish a New Zealand Country Racing Clubs’ Association. Mr Albert Bruce (chairman) moved that an association_be set up. Most speakers were of opinion that racing should bo under ono control and so present a united front. In. dividing authority they were incurring a 1 croat nsk and the sport would . bsi broken. r 'be motion was finally withdrawn in favor of an amei dment that the. matter to shelved for twelve months. FIRE BRIGADE HORSES. "Wo hope to do away with horses altogether in the brigade,’’ remarked Councillor J. Trevor, chairman of the fire brigade committee of the city council, in reply to a deputation yesterday. “The horses in the central station are eating their heads off. There are horses that have not been out to a fire for some years, and they are costing us something like .£SO a year each.” The policy of fire brigade administration, said Councillor Trevor, was to do away with horse traction as much as possible. The substitution of mechanical means thus drivea away an old and picturesque, though somewhat inefficient accessory to firefighting. Many of these fleet animal* in the past possessed almost human ear gacity in taking their places and dashing off at the word of command. TOWN HALL CLOCK. Visitors to Wellington have expressed surprise that the fine lofty tower of tho Town Hall docs not possess a clock. The elevation of the four circular faces is commanding, and the tower makes provision for a set of chiming bells. So far no public-spirited and opulent citizen, who has amassed his wealth in the city of his home, has come forward with a generous bequest. That the city already has a chiming clock on the Post Omce is no. argument against placing another on the Town Hall. Tho latter building was designed to have a clock, and the four bleak, black faces are a standing anomaly. Moreover, the Post office chimes are somewhat rheumy and, old. Other big cities have several, clocks to tell tho passing of tho hours.; Londoners hear a succession of chim-, ing bells taking up the resonant peals k

and the notes are often blended with musical effects. Now, however, the sug- t gestion for a Town Hall clock- is being revived by the Mayor (Mr D. McLaren), who told a ‘‘Times" representative yesterday that at an early date ho may devise wavs and moans of raising the necessary funds. Possibly a ‘‘clockfund” entertainment may be organised, and subscription lists started. To say that a wealthy and prosperous city like Wellington cannot afford a clock in its chief building is a little pharasaical. THE EBB-TIDE. For institutions, as for nations and individuals, the tide of prosperity, popularity, what you will, ebbs and hows. And when the ebb-tide comes, the strain on resources and courage is heavy indeed. A long scries of mischances, all unavoidable, all met with courage and unfailing effort, has brought about an ebb tide with one of those institutions which we, as a seaport city, trafficking over the mighty waterways which cut us off from the older lands, are bound to cherish and support. From a variety' of causes —including the illness and removal of-the former Missioner, domestic trials and illncssof the present Missioner —the Seamen's Institute is in urgent need of the help and sympathy' of our community. Their annual bazaar, which opens on the 31st insti, offers an admirable opportunity for the public to show their appreciation of the ceaseless, earnest work carried out by this institution. Even the most ignorant among us of ships and sailors need onl- recall in imagination the wholesale discomfort of this last spell of wintry weather to realise the life led bv the men whoso business it is to face it at all hours of the night and day. and day after day. To give them —when the' land —some comfort, quietude, and rational amusement; to give thorn when they leave, steaming away through the driving mists and flying spume out to the great ocean 'solitudes—a for books to take with them, the memory of a quiet evening, a little music, a conviction of friendliness, and interest, these arc the things the Seamen’s Mission sots itjself to do year in and year out. Their need is great, who is going to help them? DOMESTIC WORKERS. The “Southland Times” states that the secretary of the Invercargill Housewives’ Union has received the following communication from the lady superintendent of an Edinburgh firm of passenger and shipping brokers: —“I was interested to note a paragraph in; the press, relating to the arrival of British immigrants in New Zealand, and as wo have numerous applications from domestic servants for assisted passages and book a large number for Now Zealand through the Government office in London, we shall esteem it a favor if you will furnish us with some information as to the class of girl you prefer, the duties generally required of them, and any further information — wages, demand, etc., which you think would bo of interest and which would assist us in securing the right sort of applicant. We have offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee. Aberdeen, and Kirkcaldy, which practically tap the whole of Scotland, as each office works in its own district, .There are lady superintendents at each office who select the girls, and every inquiry' is made as to their character, references, etc., before submitting applications to the Government, and, as you know, the latter arc also very particular and confirm nil references. You will understand, therefore, that every precaution is taken to secure the proper class of girl. I would appreciate any special information regarding (1) how the girls are met and dealt with on arrival; (2) how they arc placed in situations; (3) terms of engagement; (4) whether the girls get a choice of town or country situations; (5) average wages for cooks, cook-generals, and housemaids j (G) any items which you think would help mo in my work here."