PASSING NOTES

Waipa Post, Volume 38, Issue 2267, 12 February 1929, Page 5

PASSING NOTES

TOPICS OF THE DAY. LOCAL NOTES AND COMMENT. (By J.T.P.) , ARE FARMERS DILATORY ? Are farmers dilatory ? Tell a farmer that farmers are as a general rule dilatory in community affairs, and you will be sure to receive a stern rebuke. Nobody likes to be regarded as slothful or lazy in matters of public interest; yet, dispite the fact that I am sure to be contradicted, I am almost inclined to take the risk of scolding our farmers in this district. But I will modify the term "lazy" and content myself with regarding them as indifferent at a time when they sh(ould be up and doing. I refer to the A. and P. Show. It is long since a date was set for the show, and a date announced for entries to be made. But the committee, as so often happens, has found it necessary to postpone the date for entries to close. Why ? Simply because the indifferent farmers put off and delayed the lodging of entries. Now, that is most inconsiderate and unfair. I have met farmers who reckon it will do if they bring along their exhibits on the day of the show, and it would be difficult to imagine a more inconsiderate line of reasoning than this. Just fancy the plight of the committee — an honorary body of workers —having to make no end of eleventh-hour arrangements to overtake the neglect of the exhibitors. And think of the abuse they would be subjected to because of the lack of arrangements. The thing is absurd, and I cry shame on the farmers who would so handicap their committee. A moment's thought will disclose how essential it is for timely notification of entries to be made. With a knowledge of the nature and number of exhibits coming along the committee must plan its arrangements. Timely notification is the foundation on which the success of the shown depends. As it is now, the extended date for entries will necessitate all possible haste by the committee —a rush that might, and should, have been obviated had our farmers risen to the occasion. More's the pity that they did not ! * * * * SPILLING THE BEANS. Talking of tardy habits brings me right back to the borough of Te Awamutu. There is to be a municipal election within the next eight weeks; yet who knows. —and, presumably, who cares ? —one jot about it ? The Mayor has definitely announced his retirement, and it is quite an open secret that more than one of the retiring councillors will not be available for re-election. Who is to take their places ? Does anybody know ? Does anybody care ? I hear of only one sisyn of activity, and, much as it is distasteful to "spill the beans" I must make it known that one enterprising individual is canvassing hard though quietly to get a majority vote on the new Council for works in a certain quarter of the town. Bravo ! Good luck to him ! If the rest of the burgesses are so indifferent to-day as to let control all drift in one quarter who will endorse their complaint if in future the rates are all spent in that one quarter ? Anyhow, Mr Sleepy Ratepayer, don't say I didn't put you wise before it actually happened. A REPREHENSIBLE HABIT. A number of misguided youths on Sunday last repeated an occurrence that previously had occasioned shopkeepers a great deal of annoyance, while at the same time it exposed pedestrians to the danger of sustainr ing a, nasty fall or probably a broken limb. Nothing better to do, the lads in question idled away their time by making a grand stand of the doorsteps of some of the shops in central Alexandra Street. That in itself would not give rise to much objection, but when it is accompanied by the reprehensible habit of casting fruit skins and other rubbish on the footpath it is high time that the authorities put down the practice with a heavy hand. Yesterday, as a result bf these foolish antics, the footpath in front of the premises of Mr W. H. Wood, Mr F. D. Chunn, and Mrs M. Donaldson presented the appearance of an uncared-for pig-stye rather than that of a municipal footway; and through this filth pedestrians had to walk warily lest they slipped, with consequent risk of broken bones. Not only that, but the shopkeepers yesterday had to have a regular " cleaningup " match, even spades having to be employed to remove the sticky, dangerous substance from the path. The young men who created the mess Would be well advised to immediately desist from this beastly practice; if they do not, no doubt the police will take a hand in the matter and issue invitations for a compulsory interview with the magistrate to give them an opportunity of explaining their foolish conduct in casting offensive matter on the public footpaths. " THE GOOD PHYSICIAN." The departure of any estimable citizen after la lengthy residence in our midst is a matter for regret, but when that citizen is of the professional standing and popularity of Dr G. J. Hall the regret is intensified, especially when it is known that the decision to leave is rendered compulsory on account of a breakdown in health. It is nearly seventeen years since the genial and warm-hearted doctor first arrived in Te Awamutu, and during that long period he has endeared himself to the hearts of the people with whom he has been brought in contact, both professionally and socially. Te Awamutu seventeen years ago was a different town from what we know today, and of the conditions then existing in the surrounding districts in the matter of roading and transport Dr Hall could no doubt recall many an interesting and difficult experience. All of which serves to remind us that the doctor has partaken of those trials and tribulations which are the accompaniments of early settlement. Suffice it to say that, no matter what the hour of day or night, Dr Hall was ever ready to respond to a call with that alacrity which is characteristic

of the medical profession. Long journeys over primitive roads in all sorts of weather held for him no terrors if at the end he could exercise that skill and ability which have ever marked his professional career in ministering to the wants and relief of the sick and distressed. Ever one of Nature's gentlemen, Dr Hall pursued his course faithfully and unostentatiously, never sparing himself if he could devote his skill toward alleviating the sufferings to which humanity is heii*. Of recent years, with the means of communication and travelling improved, the worthy doctor has been alert as ever, his high skill and unswerving kindness and loyalty earning for him the sincere encomiums of one and all. Now, with a record of which anyone might feel proud, illness has seized him, and he is compelled to lay aside, for a time at least, the task to which he had so nobly consecrated himself—ia task so faithfully performed that to him can be truthfully applied that complimentary term contained in the Great Book: " The good physician"—yes, and a kindly and sympathetic friend. In this hour of his own pain and sickness the unbounded sympathy of the entire district will be extended to Dr Hall, and a wish, re-echoed by all residents, goes forth that a few months' rest in Australia will bring about that restoration to good health which it will be the delight of his friends—and they are legion—to see materialise.