Timely Topics.

Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, Volume XVIX, Issue 970, 4 March 1924, Page 4

Timely Topics.

Does it mean that wl* are especially lenient and charitable towards . our governors'? or that we arc so simple and ignorant that we cannot see their blemishes ? Or it may be that the reference is to training m public speaking, and m that case it is surety a compliment to us. All our governors must be great speech makers, on any and every occasion. Truly any Governor who comes as a novice to the Dominion will before long become an expert m finding pleasant and agreeable things to say, nor v will he long remain" a novice, m preserving political neutrality combined with a knowledge ot' many public interests.

(By Mark Tapley)

One of the chief items of local interest at present is the Soldiers' Memorial. At long last an effort is to be made to finish the work and provide, suitable surroundings. Indeed, it ' is a good thing we have a Progressive League. Without that body we might have much slower progress. For about three years the splendid cenotaph has stood, m isolation and alone. Bike " quid Scots folk," we are not to be hurried into any policy. But we have had a long time to meditate the project, and it is time our thoughts were translated into energy. A few drops of perspiration now will be better than any panegyric or parade.

A fine picture is always enhanced by a good frame, and our Soldiers' monument is worthy of an adequate setting. And m this we aro fortunate, the natural conditions already suggest a neat setting of magnificent simplicity. One can easily visualise the finished picture. The trimmed background of dark green foliage, showing up the central monument m fine relief. The mowed level lawn?, with well clipped hedge, dividing from the business areas ; the river bank with two spreading and shady trees ;. the white concrete path, and on either side the sentinel guns adequately mounted, with restful seats on the lawn : and the Whole section fronted with a dignified monumental fence or railing.

It is also interesting to note that we are tardily learning our oneness. The number and diversity of our distinci and various social and public organisations is one of. our local tragedies. Enthusiasm and push are fine things, but they are sonjetimes apt to make us narrow and selfish. It is probably true that " tho Lord helps those who help themselves," but He never forgets, also, those who help others. It is a. good thing to learn that " we are labourers together."

The advertisement which unites at least three public bodies iv calling the Soldiers' Memorial meeting, and which seeks the cooperative sympathy of the general public is a fine object lesson of unity. The danger of public bodies is " red tape." The " circumlocution office," tbat Dickens laughed at, still winds its cumbrous and petrifying officiousness around nearly everything. If the Progressive League. and the Memorial Committee, the Town Board and River Board members can unite m a brief and vigorous effort to bring about the completion of the Memorial scheme m the very near Suture, it will be a fitting tribute to the men who counted not their lives dear. It may at the same time accomplish more, and bring about a cohesion nnd unity m local policy, which is so much needed.

It is quite encouraging to review the second annual athletic festival. Altogether it was an unqualified success. All the town and his wife were there, m gay mood, and gayer colours, and the hillside of spectators, seen from a distance, shone like some bright garden of flowers. The weather, too, did its best to hold up, and nearly succeeded.. The wind was a strong element, but " it's an ill wind that blows uo one any good." In the ring, the motley crowd of officials, contestants, and " others, " surged from point to point, with moods tbat were sometimes difficult to follow. But the whole of the official arrangements were well managed, and we have every cause to be proud of our Athletic Association.

Tho events themselves were most interesting, and were contested with a vigour .and dash that was most enjoyable. And there was likowise a commendable effort on the part of officials to "keep the ball rolling." There wero not many dull, moments, oven when tho dull clouds threatened the late afternoon's proceedings. Wo aro a young society, but we have reason to Ue proud of Our record We got well off tbe mark, from the starter's pistol, something over twelve mouths ago. Other older societies haVe had a. good start, but we are well overtaking our handicap. We have got well into training, and without entering any protest, we need fear no competition, and may hsye every confidence that we shall breast the tape, m record time.

The report is being circulated, and with probable accuracy, that we shall bo losing our Governor General, about October next. Lord Jellicoe has proved a. capable and popular governor, and haa endeared himself to the hearts of the people, but his departure Ls inevitable. Under these circumstances there is special interest attaching to tbe further rumour that the Duke of York will probably be the succeeding inhabitant of Govern: ment House. This is consoling aud complimentary to the Dominion.

But is there not also a shy touch of satire m the suggestion contained by the proposal, that New Zealand is the best training ground for a novice hecauso of its constitutional simplicity,'