ROUND ABOUT WELLINGTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 3882, 7 August 1928, Page 38

ROUND ABOUT WELLINGTON.

By

Pencarrow.

(Special for the Otago Witness.) August 2. Instead of sulking the Wellington community is seeing what can be done about saving a few daylight hours when summer comes. That is the spirit so much admired by those who object to hand-feeding. Summer time is off officially. The farming people could not stand the train. But the cities want the playtime hours, and here we hope to obtain them by individual effort. Railway time tables cannot be altered —nor the official clock, but big business houses see a way to beat the clock—and smaller places will follow suit. In? stead of strolling to work after a fairly late and heavy breakfast, office people may hustle—and even go the length of dispensing with a solid meal—thus accomplishing still further good, for the doctors’ warning against rheumatism and otner ills advise fruit and cereals. We may see the shops and offices opening half an hour earlier than has been the custom.

I rather fancy some of the Government offices, and others, have always saved the daylight hours. It was 20 minutes to 5 yesterday when I passed the Government Buildings (considered the largest wooden buildings in the world). Streams of people were coming out, and many more hurrying along the pavements or waiting for the trams, which stop just there, though the city does not provide seats for would-be assengers. This is a local grievance, by the way. We would like a few “ Rest and Be Thankful ” seats on that side of the street. «

Unconcernedly a little pigeon was scratching up fragments of something right under the feet of the waiting people. It seemed very tame —an habitue of this spot—probably collecting its evening meal from crumbs dropped by workers, whose luncheon baskets are being taken home for a refill. There are a great many pjgeons round about these city streets, and gulls by the thousands round the wharves and waterfront. It is a pretty touch, one loved and looked for by wanderers returning home. So, too, is the yellow gorse on the steep hillsides.

Our Argentine visitors and the Japanese admired Wellington, and did not hesitate to say so. The Sarmiento’s commander left behind a most charminglyworded .expression of appreciation for hospitality received. When the Japanese ships departed on Saturday afternoon the band -from the Presidente Sarmiento played farewell. There was a good fellowship feeling in the air, and we • believe the Japanese were really sorry to say good-bye. They appear to have enjoyed themselves, and they certainly brought an interest to Wellington. Though their ways are not our ways, they are probably just as excellent, and they seem very direct. When a Japanese wants to know something he asks the question. Entertaining guests at their “ at home ” on the flagship, young officers invariably asked the girls, “Are you married?” “Are you going to be married?” etc. The “Would you dance with me?” question occasionally caused mutual embarrassment, for apparently the art of dancing as known to us is not one with which the Japanese are familiar. The way of the Argentinian with a maid is by no means so unusual. Wellington was sad when the graceful frigate took her departure—under steam too, for the wind was unfavourable. Not the wind, but engine trouble, is delaying the Maunganui, and here we

are panting on the doorstep for our English mail, which will be nearly a week late—another grievance, but we have no remedy to suggest.

There are stoics among us—or are they Spartans ? —these people who prepare themselves to suffer all things in silence. A noble band of about 40 still visit the Te Aro baths every morning at 6 o’clock. Even mentioning this makes me feel like looking for a hot water bottle, and this reminds me that Dr Van der Leeuw, a Dutch educationist, has just. told a newspaper representative that he is not in love with our lecture halls, which unfortunately he has sampled in midwinter. He says we do not know how to make ourselves comfortable, and it is time we learnt to heat our public buildings. He observes that the audience wraps itself up in rugs, and uses hot water bottles, but he mentions that this is “ not done ” by lecturers, who, simply have to freeze.

Dr Van der Leeuw has the sympathy of the public. What can be done about it?

Fullers’ was crowded on the opening night of the Italian Grand Opera Company. “ H Trovato ” was an eyeopener for the rising generation, which has not previously had such an opportunity. Only lack of means will prevent most of us from seeing every opera. Wellington is very enthusiastic and appreciative.

Last Sunday, in St. Mark’s, there was a Toe H service of thanksgiving and remembrance for the late Captain W. H. D. Bell, who lost his life on active service in the Great War. The gathering was very representative, and the service very touching, for this elder brother was one of a very splendid fellowship which has a branch in Wellington, where Captain Bell spent his happy boyhood and that early manhood so full of promise. The camp of this Wellington branch bears'his name.

■On this occasion the Rev. E. R. Weeks preached—reminding his hearers how Toe H originated, and dwelling on the spirit of sacrifice and service. His Excellency the Governor-General attended the service, as did the late Captain Bell’s father, Sir Francis Bell, Leader of the Legislative Council.

When war broke out Captain Bell was M.P. for Wellington Suburbs. He enlisted immediately, and went to Samoa with the advance party of the Expeditionary Forces. He served with a famous English regiment later, and was killed in action.