RANDOM NOTES

Western Star, 23 December 1927, Page 2

RANDOM NOTES

One reading the advertisement columns of a big city daily is reminded) that the holiday season is here. People have already begun to lose things. For instance, rewards were offered tor the return of a miscellaneous assortment of things, such as tents, dogs, top set of teeth, a five-pound noxe, a purse containing eighteen pounds, silver-mounted umbrellas, ladle’s handbags, starting handle' for car, spare tyr e and rim, field glasses, suit case containing lady’s apparel, rail and steamer ticket, and this is only to mention a few of the list. The only thing one should lose during the festive season is ill-humour, and without looking far every one c an find and display good nature.

<s> <s> <s> <S> This is the time wh<pn youth, having saved hard all the year, makes a raid on the money-box. The appeal of the abundance of good things that make shop-wipdows so attractive becomes irrisistible. They must have the pleasure which follows the possession of some of them. Discussing this question in the Woman’s Magazine, a lady contributor asks, ‘How many old-fashion-ed people refuse to spend! on pleasure? They pinch and save and believe that to go to the pictures, to the theatre,or. to f listen to music is a waste of their hard-earned pennies. This is bad reasoning. Relaxation is the oil which makes the wheels of, life go round. Some .enjoyment is necessary. It is the relief from tension. Nothing ages one so fast as to live in dullness. One’s vitality becomes sapped, one’s outlook becomes warped. Doing anything is better than doing nothing. I believe that at least 10 per cent, of whatever income one has should! be invested ih pleasure. This is as necessary to the brains as bread is to the body.’ Of course, there’s a medium in all things. <s><£<s><s> Not so very long ago a physical instructor made some disparaging remarks about the physique of the children attending certain large schools His criticism does not amount to , much, for the reason that it is proved to be on insufficient evidence to be found in official reports. One can only suspect that the instructor was actuated by a desire to glorify the importance of, his own calling, k Discussing tile official report, the New York Times; in a leader headed ‘New Zealand Leads the United States,’ compares the favourable living conditons in New 'Zealand with those in the United Spates: The former has the lowest death rate in the world, the lowest infant mortality, equable living conditions, few tenements and Apartments, and! few smoke stacks polluting the air. The leader continues in praise of the New Zealand Society for the health of women and children, and suggests that the States could profitably follow the example of this Dominion.

<t> $ <s> <s> A Wanangui police officer when referring to the number of deaths caused through pea rifles in New Zealand, stated that they easily average 12 to 1 against accidents caused by other classes of firearms. He considers that legislation should used to prohibit their. use altoegther. Some of them are so sensitive in the trigger that the slightest touch causes them to d'scharge. In fact, some will even go off with l a jolt. Few will disagree with his suggestion that the, use of /the pea rifle by , the young should be absolutely prohibited. This is tfy> time of the year when; some hoys get the notion that the only - thing to db is to get* one of these exceedingly dangerous weapons arid go into the country and kill something. When animals or birds are scarce, shelter and bathing sheds are made targets. Needless to say, firing at these may result in tragedy. Parents should bar th© pea rifle.

< • « <§> <s> <s> <B> A d'eputatiuon waited on the Wallace Hospital* Board at its last meetings and, having placed their requiremnts before the members,, were gathering up their documents preparatory to withdrawing. Observing tipis Miss Hunt, a member of the Board, drew out a large official-looking paper, and most courteously handed it to the spokesman who, no doubt, thinking it had! an important bearing upon the question at issue, accepted it with the greatest of eagerness, and hastily scanned it. In a short time his face relaxed into a-broad smile, and, putting his hand into his pocket, lie drew out half-a-crown which he handed to Miss Hunt with the remark ‘lt’s a good object,’ The document referred to was a subscription list to raise a little with which to purchase extra Christmas cheer for hospital patients. The two other members of the deputation contributed a similar sum which, added t<> the contributions of the‘Board members and the secretary, gave Miss Hunt’s list a most respectable start.

<§> <s><s> <§> Th© question is often asked, what becomes of all the -Rhodes scholars? 1 The majority, once having attained that distinction, enter' the ranks of life find are seldom heard of again. One, however, is being very much heard of just now because "of his matrimonial adventure. A New York millionaire silk manufacturer with a beautiful daughter obtained a great surprise when he received an announcement that she had been married' to a Rhodes'scholar. It appears that the copple eloped, were married, and then the parents and friends were advised. The head-strong young lady, has been forgiven and the happy couple are now living at the home of the bride’s parents. But one need not be a Rhodes ' scholar to enjipy a. matrimonial adventure. In this week’s Otago Daily Times there appears the flowing advertisement— .

ka-dy 1 , jyoung, substantial capital, wishes meet gentleman with same; 37 to 45; view mjatrinuony—'‘Lonely,’ 233 Times. A Rhodes scholar is supposed to possess certain educational and athletic qualifications. In this case these are not asked for. The qualification which is a desideratum is of a capitalistic nature. The idea, no doubt, is to double one’s income.

<s> ❖ <s> <♦>. f' ‘ The. New 'Zealand railways have taken a leaf out of the Canadian manager’s book. Both recognise the

virtues "of advertisement. A Canadian advertisement reads — Am infinite, cap- , acity for' taking pains has produced the seemingly effortless' perfection of the Canadian Pacific Service. The New Zealand advertisement is headed ‘The People’s Railways for the People’s Safety,’ and the people are informed that' ‘during the past year the New Zealand railways, true to the; principle of safety first, carried jtwenty--six million passengers without one fatality.’ And further advised! that— You are safe when you travel by rail; - Your journey is smooth, and it’s cosy You’re not like a snail in a'gale; You read, gaze, or ; sleep if you’re dozy.

What is more, the Department is about to introduce a parlour or ‘cruising’ car, equipped for sleeping and preparation of meals. In, addition to sleeping accommodation, therfe will he a lounge, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Wherever there is a siding the car can be shunted off tile line and remain stationary for- as long as is required. ‘Cruising’ by train is said to have become popular elsewhere. This is a capital idea, and will, beat the motor hollow.

<s> <§> <§» <S> Every well-regulated! ki|lclien has its bundle of sage, and everything. - under the sun lines. . At Christmas a sprig ■ of sage recalls many things. It’s scenting all the room to-night, That little sprig of sage, It’s bringing dead things back to life; It’s turning o’er a'page. In that great book we call ‘the past,’ Where memories are written fast. So unromantic —Christmas fare l , The goose of childhood’s day;; The sage and onions, apple sauce, The pudd'ing holly-gay. And yet prosaic memories touch Us ‘getting-on-ers’ overmuch. W e isee' the l crackers, Christmas-tree, The dear old faces kind, ■Which as the years have rolled away We’ve had to' leave behind. And so you’ll guess I hold it tight, That little sprig of sage to-night, And! smile, for few would guess, I know What mem’ries round its fragrance . gfrow, _ , N r Of family-feasting}—long ago! , —DOXA. -