FROM THE WATCH TOWER

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 17, 11 April 1927, Page 6

FROM THE WATCH TOWER

By the LOOK-OUT MAN

TAXIS AT TAKA It’s always been a worry to a working man like me, A-fceepin’ up me payments to me second mortgagee — Providin’ for me family, for me missus and me beer And payin’ off the gramophone at ’art a quid a year. But now me luck ’as took a change, I ’ope its goln ’ to stay, ’Cos I’m ridin’ to me business in a TAXI every day, And when I’ve done me navvyin’ (I'm workin ’ on a drain), There comes a blinkin’ limousine an’ takes me ’ome again. They "counted out” the buses and they give it to the trams; They reckoned that the concrete was for “scooters” and for prams, But they’re turnin' on the Taxis at a fare that isn’t dear; So I’m hopin’ that the fight will last another twenty year. Yus! Taka is the village for the tired workin’ man Wot likes to go to business in a Super Six Sedan, An’ so I’ll say when next I see the gents about the town “Gor’ bless yer Mister Alison!” and ’‘Thank yer Mister Brown!” — B.C.H. * * .*

WAIjTER KIRBY. EX-AUCKLANDER Lady Fuller’s gift of a tablet to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in memory of her father, a chorister of years ago, recalls the fact that Walter ICirby first piped his boyish soprano in this sacred edifice. Subsequently lie became the leading songster of his day, and the greatest singer that New Zealand has ever produced. Triumph followed triumph when the young New Zealander went to Europe. King Edward on more than one occasion specially asked that Walter Kirby should be included in house parties, after he had heard him sing, at a command performance. Margarita, Queen of Italy, conferred a medal upon him—Kirby is the only British subject to secure this honour —while the Pope rewarded him with an autographed photograph. Simple and kindly, and quite a character in his way, Walter Kirby may be seen occasionally enjoying a Rissoto Milanese in the Latin cafe in Sydney. Should something played by the orchestra particularly appeal to him, he will burst forth into song, his sweet tenor rising and falling, and re-echoing through the cafe. Madame will beam approval from the corner. Then placing his round black hat on his head, in which incidentally he carries his mail, the ex-Aucklander will smilingly bow, and walk out. Success never spoilt Walter Kirby. Many a young artist will acknowledge that fact.

MR. O’MALLEY Those interested in China would like much to know as much of the elusive Mr. Eugen. Chen, of China, as does Mr. O’Malley, who has been conducting negotiations on behalf of Great Britain with the Cantonese Minister. But what do they know of Mr. O’Malley? To the public, he is something of a mystery because he has come so suddenly into such a glaring light; hut he has for long been a member of the diplomatic service. Owen St. Clair O’Malley is his full name. He is the younger son of Sir Edward Loughlin O’Malley. These O’Malleys have had much to do with the Far East. Sir Edward was Attor-ney-General for Hong-Kong from 1879. to 1889 and Chief Justice of the Straits Settlements from 1889 to 1892, and it was in Hong Kong that Owen St. Clair O’Malley was born. His earlier obscurity was due to his burial among the documents of the Foreign Office, where his knowledge of China and the Chinese were of incalculable value. In 1923 he was made a Counsellor of the Legation at Peking. At his English home, in Surrey, he devotes all his spare time to bee-keeping. He is only 40 years of age and so should have any amount of time in which to let the world know more about himself.

.1 MURDER UNAVENGED The accident to Mrs. Zambucka, a Syrian lady, who at the age of 97 fell and broke her leg, draws attention to the fact that the mothers of many children often attain great ages. This sometimes means more of earthly tribulation, oi course. Mrs. Zambucka was the mother of fourteen, of whom only three survive. One son, Paul, a Syrian of particularly fine type, was murdered and robbed while hawking in the Opotlki district in November, 1922, his body being found partially covered with logs in the Motu River. He was reputed to have been in possession of a large sum of money and a valuable gold watch at the time of ills murder, and these were not recovered. Two Maoris were arrested on suspicion of being connected with the affair; one was released and the other was tried and acquitted. i