PASSING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2401, 8 March 1900, Page 3

PASSING NOTES.

(From Saturday's Daily Times.)

Joy bells! There they go! Ladj/sraith this time, beyond a doubt. Hear the mad Toavii Hall a-banging and a-clanging! And all the firebells, the schools, the churches, the ships in the harbour, the factory whistles. Hooray ! Ladysmith it must be. And out we rush, 40.000 excited Britons, to clasp hands Avith inarticulate emotion, and fling up our hats. For Ladysmith it is. See the flags going up ! — never surely was there such a SAvift and sudden efflorescence of flags. From AvindoAvs, verandahs, housetops, tramcars — sveryAvhere, it is the meteor flag of England. In a trice Ihe trams become triumphal chariots ; the very horses nod under patriotic colours. The schools burst loose, — no mandate from the Premier needed 'this time ; to see the -Normal or the " old Stone School " vomit forth its hundreds is a thing to remember. And good it is to hear the youngsters yell. Along George street everybody who can grab a dinner bell or a gong is out Avith it, ringing for all he is worth. At the Octagon, a whirling crowd; struggling through it a scratch band — Salvationists, volunteers, men from the music shops with any instrument that lay handy. Glorious music ! — I never heard better ; each player with his OAvn tune. And such a muscular patriot at the big drum ! Lower down, at the Stock Exchanges, the stony-hearted brokers, emulously bawling, rend the lieavens with cheeis and the National Anthem. In Bond street, AA'here merchants most do congregate, it is " Soldiers of the Queen," the impromptu band — Avhich by this time has commandeered a four-horse drag — arriving timely to assist. In short the city from end to end gives itself up to a delirium of joy. It is all immediate, spontaneous, genuine, wonderful. For the long tension had ended ; Ladysmilh had been relieved, and for loyal Dunedin, far aAvay under the southern &lars, this was a day of do.ys.

fcatsi? spa feasl a "wsustgr tSemoggfea-

tion "" — so named officially. The Mayor, patriotically prompt, had commandeered a piiblic holiday. It was short notice, but the people were as prompt as the mayor. By 2 o'clock Princes street, the Octagon, George street were a sea of heads. F*om the- -Town Hall steps his Worship made a speech, consisting mainly of " Ladies and gentlemen," hat waving and "hip hips!" The reporters may have a version of their OAvn, but this is mine, and I consider the Mayor's speech was exactly the speech Are wanted. Heavens !—lioav! — lioav Aye cheered ! Then there Avas the procession. Of Avhat the procession consisted, where it began and where it ended, Avhence it came and whither it Avent, the reporters and the city officials may pretend to know, but in my belief they are no wiser on the subject than I am, -who know nothing. And yet I Avas a beholder. It was all confused, tumultuous, good-humoured, gloricms, — in short the very finest procession that ever Dunedin looked upon. And all got up, as one may say, in an hour. The one unforgettable fact of the procession Avas the ride of the Otago and Southland men. Yes ! — the Rough Riders came in from their camp and had their first genuine experience of a rough ride. Through surging thousands they rode, amid cheering and singing, the blare of contending brass bands, the beating of drums, the skirl of bagpipes; never in Boer-land, stormed at by shot and shell, will their horses have a more nerveshaking time. Yet bravely they rode and AA-eil, as beyond doubt tl*ey always will. The Rough Riders that got safely round the Octagon to-day have little to fear from the excitements of battle.

I Logically, the siege of Ladysmith was . ended from the moment that Lord Roberts i planted foot in the Free Slate. The cap- ■ ture of Cronje carried logic to the point of } demonstration. With 50,000 British marching of Bloemfontein, and no efficient Boer force to oppose them, Joubert must clear out of Natal. This conclusion was as inevitable as anything in Euclid, and a good deal plainer ; the negative of it might have been dismissed with the Euclidean formula of contempt — "Which is absurd." And yet, for all that, Jouibert hung on day after day. Every foot that Buller won cost him rivers of blood. The fighting in front of Ladysmith last week has been perhaps the severest in the whole war. In the_ struggle for Pieter's Hill the Irmiskillings, we are told, were "almost annihilated." The explanation of these facts is, I suppose, that Buller has been clinging to Jonbert's skirts, detaining him in Natal, and so leaving Roberts a freer field, embarrassing his retreat, threatening to capture his guns and train. If Buller had sat quiet, Joubert would have been , through the passes clays ago ; in which case Cronje, it may be, had not been reduced to surrender. One thing is certain : Buller has fought his way into Ladysmith against the determined resistance of on enemy who had all the advantage that hills and entrenchments to a defensive position. The exploits of Buller and his army will live in men's memory, I fancy, as long as the historic siege to which they have put a close.

There are indications that the " absentminded beggar" does not feel himself nattered by - Kipling's description of him. Letters from South Africa to some English papers complain that Kipling, in his " Barrack-room Ballads " and elsewhere, had presented the British soldier to the British public as a groAvn-up Ibaby, irresponsible, profane, debauched, drunken ; and now, in this world-famous ditty, has capped all previous insults by making him out to be an absent-minded beggar, who resigns his wife and kids, or the girl ho leaves behind him, to the charity of music halls and coins collected in a tambourine. There is, as it seems to me, a good deal of reason in this complaint. Nowadays the soldier is no longer a fighting machine. He must fight as much with his head as with his hands. There is neither use nor room for absent-minded beggars in the British army. Take another point. We show scant consideration for the selfrespect of brave men on whom, any day, we may call for the highest exhibition of heroism when we speak of them collectively as " Tommies," and each of them individually as "Tommy Atkins." The incessant use of these senseless nicknames is nauseating even to civilians ; to the men themselves they must be offensive in a high degree. We shall have to make a good deal more of our army ia the future $mX ,W£ have naacfo of it in tlig &asj^ a»4

the history of the last six months should teach us that Aye can hardly make too much of it. " Tommy Atkins," it seems to me, Avill have to be dropped as being too plainly an appellation of contempt!

'•"' It may not be generally knoAvn that the name " Tommy Atkins " is the creation of Lord Garnet Wolseley. In the " Soldier's Manual " — if that is the title, — a military vade mecvm of Avhich Lord Wolseley is the author, there is shown a specimen schedule for certain regimental returns, and, in the cojumn headed " Name," the name given is "Thomas Atkins." Or, according to another account, slightly different : , | The name Tommy Atkins for a British soldier arose simply from a "War Office clerk selecting thai name years ago to put into a sample return, showing how similar -forms Avere to bs filled up. The liDine, which is now often resented by m&n in the ranks, at once Look the fancy of the canteen and barrack room, and rooted there. j The point to notice is "that the name is often resented by men in the ranks." And for that reason it should be dropped.

" Come and visit us and be traduced ; spend your money with us and be blackguarded." Such and no other, says the San Francisco Argonaut, is the invitation given by France to England apropos of the Paris Exhibition. The Argonaut, be it noted, does not greatly love the British ; on the contrary, it is much given to chuckling over British " defeats," so called, in the Transvaal. Being thus itself somewhat Anglophobe, its judgment on French Anglophobia is the better worth quoting :

To judge the French nation by the voice of its press would be to reach the conclusion that the people had gone daft. The scurrility of the Paris papers exceeds anything that could be tolerated in this country [which is saying a good deal!] In big headlines we have " Death to the British," " The End of England," " Let us Boycott English Houses " ; and the columns that follow are filled with insult and invective. "What shocks the San Francisco paper in this is " its base and monstrous ingratitude."

During the Franco Prussian war it was in English music halls that the " Marseillaise " was sung, while people listening wept with emotion. And it was English food that first gave to the beleaguered Parisians a change from the cat and rat diet that had become iiksomo. Well, we don't expect gratitude ; but it is certainly surprising that the French, from mere spite against us, should be willing to go the length of commercial suicide.

The British spend in French products 200 million dollars annually, a sum. twice as large as the next customer, and five times greater than comes from the United States. The boycott, it would seem, is an impolitic weapon to be employed- by the French. But what can you expect of a people whose Republicans, as represented by Rochefort, ore subscribing for a sword of honour to be given to Cronje — merely for the reason that Cronje is an enemy of England; and whose Royalists, as represented by the Duke of Orleans, write letters of congratulation to the infamous libellers of the Queen? The Duke of Orleans is a particularly bad case. How many times has his family, when chased out of their own country, nought refuge and hospitality in England? Civis.

Berne notifies that private telegrams in clear language to and from the South. African Republic and Orange Free State are accepted via Lorenzo Marquez, but are submitted to the censor at Pretoria.

The weekly meeting- of the Benevolent Institution Trustees, held or the 27th, was attended by Messrs C. Haynes (chairman), R. "Wilson, P. Treseder, J. Green, and the Hon. H. Gourley. T,ho secretary reported that John Preston, aged 67, had died in the institution during the week. The chairman stated that a letter had been received from Messi'd Mason and Wales with reference to a septic tank. The firm at fiist estimated that the cost would be £200, but at that time they had not received particulars from Home. The machinery required wcmlcl cost about £176 10s, instead of £80; so that the tank, instead of costing £200, would cost £335. 'xne trustees decided to leave the matter in the hands of the chairman. A girl 16 years of age was admitted to the maternity ward of the institution, and abcml 30 applications for relief Were dealt with.

The- provincial di&lricl of Canterbury intends to oelebj&tg the fiftieth anniversary of

the settlement by a Jubilee Industrial Exhibition. It is now some six years since the last exhibition Avas held in Christchurch. On tlmt occasion it Avas largely local in character, -.ot unlike that Avhich Avas hold to celebrate Otago' s Jubilee. On the present occasion it is intended to make it as colonial as possible, Avhile it Avill still serve to slioav the progress made in Canterbury during the 50 years of H* existence. Exhibits of all kinds, includingAvorks of art, educational, scientific, and ma chinery exhibits are invited. It is intended to N open the exhibition about November 1, so as to take in the annual carnival Avcek. The new Industrial and Agricultural Hall, AA r hich is in course of erection, Avill be used for the exhibition. It may be taken for granted that the exhibition Avill be a success, as our northern neighbours always enter Avith spirit into such enterprises. Otago having tuccessfully celebrated her OAvn jubilee, Avill be ready to render every assistance to our younger neighbour.

The Waimatua sawmill of the National Timber Company Avas destroyed by fire on Sunday afternoon, j-i.e stock and yard plant Avere saved. The Commercial Union and Northern Insurance Companies have each a risk of £200 on the mill, engine, and machinery, but the loss exceeds the amount of insurance.

It is a tribute to British rule that native races, in all parts of the Avorld, under the protection of the Union Jack, are anxious to fight for it in the present crisis. Afridis, Hindoos, Sikhs, Ghoorkhas, and Maoris have all volunteered to SAvell our forces in South Africa, and the spirit Avhich jjrompted those offers exists even in the isles of the Pacific, as Avitness (says the Lyttelton Times) the cap--tain of a vessel Avhich recently arrived at Lyttelton after having touched at Tonga. The natives there, he declared, are hot to fight for the Empire, and lose no opportunity of declaring that they are Britishers.

In the "Life of Archbishop Benson" there is an interesting entry giving her Majesty's opinion upon the question Avhich has perplexed many minds — Is life worth living? In his diary the Archbishop notes: — The Queen said to-day: "As I get older I cannot comprehend the Avorld. I cannot comprehend its littleness. When I look at the frivolities and littlenesses it seems to me as if they Avere all a little mad." The Queen added: "The AA'ickedness of people's spite against each other is so great — so great." On another occasion Archbishop Benson records a long and interesting conversation he had with the Queen. Her sagacity in readingpeople and their ruling motives and Aveak-. nesses struck him very much. He Avas greatly impressed Avith the fearless confidence Avith Avhich the Queen said out all these insights. " She left me much Aviser abotit many men than I cA r er expected to be," he Avrites, in summing up his impression of this interesting talk on men and affairs.

Mr Jas. M. Simmers has received intimation that he has passed the B.A. degree, and also that he has gained the senior university scholarship in physical science.

Despite unfavourable Aveather indications in the morning, the floral fete held at Forbury Park on the 28th proved tc be the greatest success of any gathering yet held in the colony. Everj- effort Avas made by the Tramway Company and 'bus and cabdrivers to cope AA'ith the traffic, but hundreds had to Avalk, Avhile many others Avere prevented from going. The energetic labours of the ladies and gentlemen connected Avith the fete Avill probably result in £1100 being handed over to the Otago Contingent and Remount Committee.

The hearing of the charge of Avife murder against Thomas Gallaway Avas commenced before his Honor Mr Justice Williams and a common jury on the 28th. A plea of "Not giiilty " Avas entered, and the accused is defended by Mr Sim. Although the indictment is foi murder, the Crown Prosecutor pointed out to the jiary that it Avas competent for them to return a verdict of manslaughter, and the theory advanced by the Crown, as most consistent Avilh the circumstances, Avas that manslaughter, not murder, had been committed. The evidence Avas taken very rapidly, and the cross-examination was brief. In the afternoon the court was deserted by spectators, and public interest in the trial was not keenly »iau^esled A though the court was crowded, in

the morning. Eleven Avitnesses were ex» amined, and there is every prospect of the case closing this afternoon or evening. As the jurors cannot be alloAved to separate during the course of the trial of a person charged with a capital offence, the members of the jury Avere provided Avith accommodation at night at Watson's Hotel.

The committee of the Otago A. and P. So ciety met on the 23th, Mr A. C. Slronach presiding. The schedule of the forthcoming Winter Slioav and fat stock competition Avas carefully revised and several additions made in the various classes. In cases where competition last year Avas keen, the prizes have # been increased, and the committee have added special prizes for the country exhibits for the different sections of grain, seed, and roots. To further the Avishes of the country competitors, the committee have appointed a number of gentlemen in different districts to act for them, and to supply catalogues, entry forms, etc. They Avill also accept entries and forward exhilits. To enable the dairy factories to have sufficient time to get their exhibits ready, the secretary Avas instructed to issue schedules forthwith. As Avas done la&t year, the cheese and butter will bs stored for six Aveeks in cool stores/ so that the exhibits Avill be in a similar condition to the exported article Avhen it arrives on the London market.

The first meeting of the newly-elected trustees to form a board for the Maungatua Land Drainage District, held on Friday, Avas attended by Messrs John Stevenson, John Hoddinnot, Neill Black, and George Lyall. Ths Returning Officer (Mr John Grant) presided' Mr Hoddinnot moved, and Mr Lyall seconded — " That Mr Stevenson be appointed chair man." This Avas carried unanimously. U Avas decided to meet on Saturday, 3rd March, at Lee bridge, opposite B drain, at 11 o'clocl a.m., to inspect the drains.

At the Common Council of Paris in May of 1899 Councillor Fortin proposed that measures should be taken in the interest of the public health to discourage the habit of spitting in the streets and promenades. ' " A feAV j-ears ago," observes the Progres Medical, " such a proposal avoulc! have been greeted Avith all the ridicule of our Parisian Avits. Our conscript fathers, however, referred M. Fortin's suggestions to the consideration of a special committee." This committee, in a late report to the Common Council, has advised that the council shall erect at various places in the city a number of "spittoons, of sufficient size to be readily discernible, in Avhich the passers-by may deposit the infectious germs of tuberculosis Avhich are at present so heedlessly and wholesalely discharged upon the pavement." Each spittoon is to be enamelled, elegant in design, and to bear the folloAving inscription: — "In the interest of the health of the people, and for preventing the extension of infectious sicknesses, you are requested not to spit upon the pavement."

At the Warden's Court at Lawrence on th 3 26th, the case of Thomas Phillips v. the Harris Beach Gold Dredging Company, a suit for partial cancellation and forfeiture of the company's special claim on the Molyneux, came before Warden Stratford. Mr Finlayson appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Crooke for defendant. Mr Finlayson said the real point in the case Avas whether a surveyor could survey additional land outside the land applied for without the application being amended or Avithdrawn and a fresh application made. The application showed that the area applied for Avas 96 acres, and its shape Avas descrioed as being 80 chains in length by 12 chains in Avidth (including tAvo chains of the Molyneux River). The claim iioav, as surveyed, showed an area of 100 acres, and instead of only two chains in Avidth of the river being included in it there were six chains, equal to an additional 32 acres. This addition, counsel contended, had been made without the cognisance or sanction of the court. After some evidence had been token the case was adjourned on Mr Finlayson' s application to March 12 for the production of original docu. ments.

Ovv St. Bathans correspondent telegraphs that in the trout-poaching case at S*., B»thans the decision Avas given on the 28th. A conviction ensued, the fine and costs involving over £3. This, it is hoped, Avill have a deterrent effect, and aefc as a warning to others Avho are in the habit of taking trout indiscriminately without licenses.