THE PASSING SHOW.

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14713, 30 July 1921, Page 9 (Supplement)

THE PASSING SHOW.

COMMENT AND CRITICISM, (By Free Lance). A correspondent to the Times during the week has made some scathing comments regarding the attitude of the Church towards Labour, and he draws a somewhat graphic picture of how he valiantly stood up at a recent gathering for tlie faith that was in him, inferring that he and another were the only two men of grit in the whole of that assemblage. His, however, was not Hie eloquence that swayed multitudes, for, according to his own evidence, his comments fell fiat. Hi s letter apparently lias had the same effect, for it was evidently penned with the object of drawing a foeman worthy of his steel and he finds himself confronted with no tiling more tangible than vapour. * * * ♦

The question of the Church and Labour is one that is perennially forced to the front, and it is prolific of cheap sneers at an institution which is undoubtedly the salt of tlie earth. Even those who deride it derive benefit from it, and none perhaps more than the working .man. He is slow to acknowledge Ills debt maybe, and he shows ids gratitude by holding aloof from assisting cither by his presence or his substance in the work of an institution Which were its influence withdrawn, would convert the earth into a veritable pandemonium. * * * ♦

I am pleased to gather that the Times’ correspondent is not one of that ilk, for he evidently is an active member of one section of Hie Church and an energetic protagonist of his views on social questions, though apparently those same views, or rather his way of expressing them, do not find favour with some of the brotherhood. He presumably is a militant,’ and it would rejoice his heart if his minister adopted the same policy as a-.col-league in Christchurch, who advertised as his subject for last Sunday’s address, “Wliy the Church should adopt the Red Flag.” My own view is that if the Church’s influence is not so strong as could be wished at present, it would soon he positively negligible if it were to become altogether factional. It would indeed be as salt without savour. The Church is meant to embrace all.

But what is the Church? Possibly we can find no better definition than that given by Holy Writ, viz., “A band of men whose hearts God had touched” —a band of men with different vocations, who view life from different aspects, and who have to order their own lives as individuals, and to endeavour to make their influence felt amongst those with whom they are thrown in contact. Viewed from this standpoint, the correspondent of the Times will recognise that he is a part of the Church, and while no doubt he would like to have the whole of Hie leaven working in his immediate vicinity he must remember that there were three measures of meal, and that the leavening process has to work simultaneously through the lump. • • t • •

“Also Very English” enters a mild protest at my comment of last week anent fancied grievances and a magnifying glass. He evidently promptly placed the cap on his own pate, and found that it fitted. I did not realise that he was comparatively a “new chum,” and had not yet become inured to colonial ways, and possibly I may have been a little harsh. However, we will let bygones be bygones, and I hope that the correspondent will speedily adapt himself to his new surroundings and develop into a good settler, even though he is “Also Very English.”

There seems to be a general .agreement amongst the medical fraternity that football is not a suitable game for girls, and there certainly is a strong consensus of opinion amongst the public that the proposal should be frowned down as an undesirable departure. It is pleasing to see that the League authorities have decided to refuse affiliation to a girls’ club in Auckland, and it is hoped that other ruling bodies will, in the interests of the girls themselves, adopt a similar policy. Some of the enthusiasts will no doubt persist in their determination to play football under any circumstances, but if the movement fails to receive official recognition it will not be long ere it dies a natural death. * • « • •

“Ambassador” Booth, who some lime ago conducted a mission in Hamilton, is now in Australia. In an address at one centre he made very pointed reference to the action of a popular Bishop, who does not hesitate to trip the light fantistic. His comments were somewhat scathing, and they drew upon the head of Hie “Ambassador” a crushing rejoiner from the Most Reverend. I notice that the controversy lias been introduced into this Dominion, one school commending the “Ambassador,” and the other condemning him. To the ordinary mortal this matter seems one for individual judgment. I have somewhere read, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more ... to him that cstcemcth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.” The majority’of us find the “Thou Shalt Nots” of tlie Decalogue sufficiently difficult to keep even passably without increasing the list at Hie behest of certain worthy folk who would seek to impose their narrow standards upon llieir- neighbours. Tithing Hie anise, the mint and Hie cummin is commendable, but charity is the greatest thing in the world. •; « » » • •

The Racing Commission report has been published, and has aroused much comment in the various districts. It is being eulogised or condemned, apparently as the district is affebted. Otago, where the old order hai not ben disturbed, is concerned that the Commission lias recommended additional permits. Hawke’s Bay is naturally incensed because several permits have boon withdrawn, and is looking for a remedy at law, whilst in other districts where Hie recommendations urge Hie extension of racing the work of Hie Commission is eulogised and voted to he reasonable and fair. How I rune all are to use glasses focussed by self-interest!

II has been suggested to me that to asphalt the railway footway would bo an improvement. The cost of the work would lie no more than to replace the planking. If done properly it would last for a very long period, 'flic treatment of the wood with far would preserve the present planks, While pedestrians and pram-drivers would 'appreciate the smoother going. I leave the matter for the authorities to think ove*