CURRENT COMMENT

Taranaki Daily News, 10 May 1930, Page 17 (Supplement)

CURRENT COMMENT

'other points of view

(By

M.Q.S.)

On May Day a bull, infuriated by the sight of the red flags, broke up, a Communist procession in Poland. : It is suspected by the Soviet that the animal's Christian name was John.

In Paris two Communists , suspected of treachery to the cause were tried by fifteen of their fellows. . . Equality , . They were ..sentenced to*an hour'in “Room 36” where they were beaten and kicked by their comrades . . > Fraternity. . Finally, in a state of complete helplessness, they were pushed out from the cellar on to the pavement . Liberty.’’

Room 36. gives an intriguing touch to the story. There is a steady stream of mysteries from the Old World all neatly ticketed Mystery of Room 66, Mystery of Room 1A and so on. Every day,' however, one expects to hear of another ’ mystery, _ the mysterious suicide of Prisoner 99, inconsolable on discovering that he had murdered a man in a room without a number.

A. most important point to deal with while discussing this matter is, of course, where would crime be without Edgar Wallace ? It is even rumoured that many noted criminals regard Edgar Wallace without doubt as their favourite fiction. His books help, they consider, to take their. minds off the dull, monoton oris, everyday. - grind.

< In England a short time ago, a Census was taken of the favourite reading of boys under sixteen in the schools Dickens topped the poll/ with Edgar Wallace second. The idea has occurred that it is hardly fair that juveniles say from 12 tb 1G should alone -enjoy Mr. Wallace, while juveniles under six are unhappily barred. . Consequently it is suggested that Mr.’ Wallace should be asked to re-touch some of childhood’s tales something after this style . . . > 9 o o In the dock, a thin, shifty, little fellow hopped uneasily from one leg to the other. The Courthouse was crowded and now and again the tense silence was broken by sharp intakes of breath and loud sobs. His Honour Mr. Justice Beak, breathing slightly through his nose, frowned down" into the body or the Court. The deceased, the late Mr. Cock Robin, said Inspector Goose, who conducted the case for the Crown, met his death through,»J3eiug,.>pifirced through the' wish-bone by some sharp, pointed instrument. He had arrested the ac : cused'and found ih his possession a bow' (produced). , The grave nature of the case would be shown when he called the witness Owl, who would give formal ‘evidence of the burial. He would now call Dr. Duck, who had examined the deceased. . ‘ His Honour: Is he a quack? (A ripple of laughter ran through the Courtp 1 Dur in the hearing of the evidence of the witness Owl the Court was. again greatly moved and sighs and sobs were, heard from every corner. The deceased, who had led a blameless life, was wqllknown and well liked in the community. Constable Fly told how he had received a communication to proceed to the scene of the tragedy and how he had arrived in time to see the deceased draw his last breath. ■ . His Honour: You had to be pretty fly to ge t there. \ (Loud laughter in. which his Honour joined). _ ’■ \ At this stage a sensation was caused when the accused Sparrow .said in a loud, firm voice, contrasting strangely with his diminutive figure- I killed Cock Robin!" Like a great wave the sobs broke out again with renewed vigour .... *#’ * * Even sadder than this little story, however, is the news from England that the Queen and Prince George have been e’een visiting two model public-houses in the London district; ohe of which was run by clergymen, f or the prompt action- of the Scottish • Grand Dodge of Good Templars this horrid «tate ! of affairs might have been concealed. As it happened tins wideawake body had observed the Queen Sting another, public-house , run on the same lines in the same district and now has hesitated no longer to express its firm disapproval of the Royal inaiscretion. - For; as the good people ! £ni)w, although at the time it may ' only a small, thing, it-is the first drop which causes the first slip on the Bteep, downward slide to Perdition. > ’ * * * *

It is a relief to leave the very, very Good Templars, even for the Parnell by-election. That wbuld have been a very, dull affair but for the speech of Mr. Wright who, when . Ire - carried the por'tfolio°of learning once astounded the country by remarking that there was too much education going on in New Zealand. The crown of office sat uneasily on his brow and he put on a stiff mantle of dignity. As a private member again, in the case of his ordinary clothes, Mr. Wright recovered his natural qualities and scourged Mr. Stallworthy in a great, fighting speech, the same Mr. Stallworthy who some time ago unfortunately hinted that ms ministry wm ft Divine call. For pulling hifl party out of the fire Mr. Wright is an excellent member—in spite of the fact that, in doing so, he han a penchant for putting it in the frying pan.

Lew attractive tactics were used by another politician who took part in the by-election . campaign when he asked Mr. Donald “whether he approved of the engagement of Mr. Vincent Ward at a large salary as a civil servant, he was satisfied with the appointment of Mr. R. Masters to theTransport Board and whether he approved of the Government doing big business with a motor company .in which Mr. Vincent Ward was interested’- . .' '* If there were such a thing as a School for Scandal in New Zealand it seems that one man at aijy rate would qualify immediately Master of Arts. ‘ . . . >!_•