Topics of The Times

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26354, 8 January 1947, Page 4

Topics of The Times

by Hydra.

Idly listening to a programme of Russian music on the radio on a recent evening, we were startled when one wild Siberian madrigal burst into a frenzied counterpoint of whistling. Somehow the whole business of shrill stock whistles emitted between clenched teeth seemed familiar, and after a period of silent thought we came up with the answer. It was only a week ago that we had heard Mr Joe Lawman, a siffleur not one whit less accomplished than the Don Cossacks, letting loose in a similar fashion for the edification of the patrons of his Majesty’s. Mr Lawman's efforts, we recalled, were greeted with something approaching rapture by the locals and right then we woke up to our close cultural ties with Moscow theatregoers. Mr Lawman, we feel, would lay them in the aisles in the Bolshoi Theatre. But Uncle Joe's boys must certainly have sturdy ear-drums.

Just about nhe least appreciated warning we have had lately is one which the local commercial radio station filtered down our ear trumpet the other lunch time. Beware, they counselled us, the perils of rash Sunbathing. Even the announcer faltered in mid effusion and adopted the apologetic manner of one who doesn’t believe the things he is saying, but has to make a living someway. Heck, comrade, we would be happy if'we could climb out of our winter wollies, let alone sun-bathe.

That little radio warning, presumably sponsored by our avuncular Government, brings another query to our minds. Who, we would like to know, is footing the bill for all these newspaper advertisements exhorting, us to greater efforts as we labour in the vineyard? The advertisements carry a little tag, which states: “Issued by the New Zealand Government." And, we-presume, paid for by the New Zealand Government, an organisation notoriously lacking in a sense of wry humour. And who, we might ask further, works harder in order to pay the taxes to provide the Government with funds to insert advertisements to exhort us to work harder? All pupils must attempt this question, but no prize will be given for the correct answer.

We don’t know where they were going or what they were offering. All we know is that two rather annoyedlooking characters were busy changing a punctured tyre or an ancient touring car near Forbury Corner the other evening. On the back of the car was a large sign which commanded: Buy Your Tickets Here.” No thanks, McGee. We’ll take the tram.