THE PASSING SHOW.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17574, 1 December 1928, Page 13 (Supplement)

THE PASSING SHOW.

COMMENT AND CRITICISM. (By "Free Lance."} Events reminiscent of "•blood and thunder" tales rarely occur in peaceful New Zealand. The experiences of' the party held up by highwaymen must have been blood-curdling. Comments on sensational happenings are always interesting. "I would have tried to escape; I wouldn't have given in," says one. "Why didn't they refuse to hand over the cash? The shooting stunt was only a bluff. I should have said, 'Shoot if you like; you won't get my money,' " is another's comment. The barricade and the position of the robbers made escape practically impossible. To have refused surrender would have been risky and not worth while. There are occasions when for a brave man or woman to resist unto death is the only course, but to risk life simply to save money would be foolish. Anyhow, to be wise after the event is easy! Let us hope that in such circumstances we should have been as brave and resourceful as those who gave chase until their motor-cycle was punctured by a bullet. * » * • "On the whole we are safe in saying that the moving pictures continue to exercise a most pernicious and demoralising influence on our young people," states the Life and Work Committee's report submitted to the Presbyterian Assembly. More rigorous censorship and the formation of church literary and debating societies and tennis clubs were suggested means of counteracting the influence of the cinema. Well might some moving pictures be described as pernicious and demoralising. But had the committee given a word of encouragement and of appreciation for the few excellent pictures which have been produced, might they not have done more for the cause they have at heart? For the Church to provide recreation is wise. Yet not only those who attend church, but the crowds upon whom the Founder of Christianity looked with compassion should •be her concern. Much might be done in the way of indicating suitable types of pictures and by improved censorship. Those responsible for moral and spiritual welfare should realise that here they have one of the most powerful influences—an influence which may be "pernicious and demoralising" or may be made entertaining, educative and uplifting.

In spite of the many new pleasures which mechanical invention and science have brought, the age-old hobby of gardening still holds an important place. Now as much as ever does man 'find joy in preparing the soil, in planting and tending plants and in beholding their beauty. Gardens give pleasure and inspiration not only to the makers but to every beholder. How important, therefore, that each home and factory should have a garden ! Mr W. Paul, who as secretary of the Winter Show Association and the Beautifying Society has done so much for the town and district, is to be commended for arranging in connection with the Winter Show a garden competition for factories. The stimulus provided by these annual competitions should do a great deal towards making the grounds of every factory in the Waikato a model of order and loveliness. • • * « In determining to intensify educational work, the New Zealand Alliance seems to be adopting a wise course with unlimited opportunities. Medical authorities have shown conclusively the harmful effects of alcoholic liquor. Sportsmen find abstinence necessary. Therefore, be the moderate drinker .ever so successful, his success will be even greater without indulgence. Along these lines lecturers can speak with assurance. Temperance workers might also further their cause were they to provide canteens for supplying milk and other nourishing drinks to the needy in times of unemployment. Thus might j a helping hand be extended to many tempted to drown depression in strong drink. A Waikato Times correspondent suggested that drinking fountains fed by spring water be erected in our town. What an opportunity for prohibitionists to donate a fountain suitably inscribed to point out the value of Adam's aie! Then (here are reforms to be effected in the sale of liquor. Somewhere it was stated that the N.Z. Alliance will not work for reform. Why? Surely if you have no vacuum cleaner you will not displse the small brish.

There is reason for rejoicing at the prospect of the Hamilton Choral Society being resuscitated. Enjoyable and elevating entertainments are choral concerts, and their preparation provides most helpful practice, especially for talented young singers unable to afford regular tuition. Wise opinions regarding limitation of membership and voice testing were expressed at the recent meeting. The Society has. sometimes sacrificed quality for quantity, with the results that, the conductor's difficulties have been increased and harshness of tone and crude interpretation have spoilt performances. Church choirs frequently insist on voice tests and that members shall be elected. I3y judicious questions from the conductor, knowledge of the candidate's musical attainments and experience might be obtained. No trouble should be spared to make the scheme successful. Far better start with a few good voices and gain in experience and numbers, than to commence with a flourish and suddenly cease. Should the Choral Society be resuscitated satisfactorily, there will be reason to hope that our Orchestral Society, our Male Choir, and our Musical and Elocutionary Competitions also will be revived, * # * *

Valuable service was rendered recently by the Wanganui branch of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, when a resident who was rabbit-shooting came upon a dog farm where shocking conditions existed. The dogs had scanty shelter, a mother with young pups was huddled under a bush with the chain tangled in the branches, seven animals had distemper, some had deformed heads and jaws and one was suffering from partial paralysis. Five were in crates without proper bedding and with hardly room to turn. Seven had to be destroyed. How easily the whole matter might have, been overlooked but i for knowledge of the existence of the S.P.C.A. branch. Would a similar state of affairs be remedied as quickly in Hamilton?