THE PASSING SHOW.

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14601, 26 February 1921, Page 9 (Supplement)

THE PASSING SHOW.

(By Free Lance.)

Referring recently to a certain township in this district I suggested that the residents, in order to present a better appearance to the world, should hold one or two working bees to clear up their streets and remove current signs of neglect I was moved to make the suggestion as I was informed that it was impossible to obtain labour to do the work though there were ample funds in the local body's coffers. 1 do not know whether the proposal was taken up, but it is interesting to note that the residents of Greenhithe, a settlement on the Wailemata Harbour, have initiated a policy along the lines suggested, and are determined to help themselves. On a recent occasion they turned out, and as the result of an afternoon's labour formed several chains of footpath, and they intend to continue the "bees" until a scheme of work has been completed. It is anticipated that other settlements along the waterfront will follow the example. In the case or the Waikato township, if the residents would devote two half-holidays to municipal labour they would effect a marked improvement. Will they consider it worth while?

The Legislature of this Dominion frequently enacts Acts which can scarcely be justified, and the Offenders' Probation Act passed last session contains a provision which I think the majority of the members failed to notice. I refer to that which empowers a magistrate to order the suppression of the name of an offender, and should a newspaper ignore the order then the publisher is liable to heavy penalties. The policy, hitherto, has been to leave the matter to the discretion of the papers, and I thmk that policy has worked out without hardship, for an editor can always be relied upon to take an impartial view, and to do the right thing, both to the individual and the public. The way in which the several magistrates have used the power conferred upon them has already aroused much adverse comment, whilst some of them acknowledge that they are in a quandary, for Mr Dyer. S.M.. at Napier, thus expressed himself:—"A law has been passed, giving magistrates the right to order the suppression of names, but on what basis we are to act I do not know." The greatest deterrent ot crime is, as all newspaper men know, the fear of publicity, and, having regard to the decisions of certain magis. trates in ordering the suppression ol names in certain cases, I have no hesitation in saying that in the interests, of the community generally the Act should be amended and the old order restored. • * * •

The strongly expressed determination ef the Minister of Internal Affairs to deal with the bookmaker effectively was received with general satisfaction, it being recognised that it was advisable to keep gambling within well defined channels and reasonable limits. The Minister has certainly endeavoured to c.rry out his intention, but he has evidently come up against an obstacle which it is questionable if he will be able to surmount. Several cases have DC-me before the Supreme Court, and though the evidence has apparent!/ been clear and definite, the juries have been unable to agree. At Wellington this week the Chief Justice was moved to say: "I am very sorry for the jury system that this has happened." It is evident that there were some on the jury who were not distantly related to lie man who loudly declared that he "was open to conviction," but added truculently: 'Show me the man who can convict me.' "

A few weeks hence it will be the duty of the citizens to elect their Mayor anl Councillors for the ensuing period, and it fs much to be hoped that they make a wise choice. As far as Hamilton is concerned, the last twi years have been somewhat strenuous from the municipal point of view, and only a few of the Councillors who were appointed in 1913 hold office in 1921. The honour of a seat at the Municipal Council table is no doubt a great one, and should be sought after by capable citizens. Many, however, hold back, apparently dreading the criticisms which are invariably directed at those who sit in prominent places. It is possible, however, to take these criticisms too seriously. It should be remembered that everybody thinks he can do the job better than he who has the responsibility of doins it. Any person who really feels that lie has qualifications :md gifts calculated to be of service to his town and district should certainly not permit himself to be deterred from offering his services to his fellow citizens because of the dread of the ! 'kicks." These for the most part are harmless. The "ha'pence" are not by any means as scarce in public life as they sometimes arc asserted to be, and he who essays to serve derives an immense amount of satisfaction from the knowledge that be, at least, did not shirk. * * » *

A minister was afflicted with an elder who was most persistent in his criticism of the minister's modes and methods; he could not preach, his matter, style, delivery, etc., were brought under review, and the faults ami shortcomings duly noted. Hn one occasion the minister desired a holiday, and lie bethought himself of the critical elder, who undertook with a light heart to flit the pulpit, for the Sabbath. The fateful hour arrived, and the elder announced Ids text, hut he could pet no further — no inspiration came. At length, leaning over the pulpit, he, exclaimed in desperation: "If any of you want the conceit taken out of you, come up here!" It perhaps was not a very eloquent sermon, but. it had a fine lesson, which I leave the carping critics, to whom I have referred, to ponder over. • * * •

The River Road crossing has once again been brought prominently forward, and it is much to be hoped that il will not be relegated to the background until something is done to make it safer for the public. The menace to life and limb which the crossing constitutes is "recognised ami admitted. The danger, however, arises not so much from trains as from motors,"residents in the immediate neighbourhood being in a state of constant dread of i :'iff smash at the crest of the rise, where there is barely room for cars to pass, and there have been one or two very narrow escapes. Motorists have to take the rise at a brisk pace in order to negotiate it, ami in smmding their own born they are unable to hear that of a

car approaching from the opposite direction. If the roadway were widened, it would do much to eliminate the danger of collision, and lhj° 'a undoubtedly the chief menace.