The Passing Show.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17964, 8 March 1930, Page 1 (Supplement)

The Passing Show.

THE feelings of “ a mother ” who has had a boy placed in the “special classes” can well be understood if the circumstances are as narrated. Not being conversant with the details “Free Lance" can express no opinion on that point, but it is regrettable if the classes are regarded by the other pupils at the school as the “fools’ ” department. These “special classes” can do a great deal for the backward scholar, and being placed therein places no slur upon the pupil; he is handicapped possibly in that he cannot keep up with his mates in some departments, though he can probably excel them in others, and a special course may confer immense benefit. “Free Lance ’ remembeis that amongst his schoolmates there were two lads who si-mply could not learn. They were in one of the primers, and they could not get out of it. Their careers in after life however, proclaimed them far from dullards. They could not assimilate “book learning" but in their chosen vocations they shone and left far behind those who in school life were hailed as smart and awarded medals as "dux.” Had those two lad 3 been afforded the advantages of a course of instruction such as that now available under the “special class” system it is more than probable that they would have been saved much heart-burning and mental anguish, and instead of being the despair of the teacher they would have been his delight. “A mother" speaks with much vehemence and it is not impossible that a mistake may have been made in regard to her son; but none the less “Free Lance thinks the “special classes” will justify their inauguration. It is regrettable however, that they are not held away from the ordinary school.

A correspondent to the Waikato Times in a recent letter drew attention to a phase of the unemployment problem which has not previously been touched upon, but which is undoubtedly worthy of much consideration, namely the distribution of the fruits of industry and the large share handed out to those who allegedly supply the brain power while the supplier of brawn is given a miserable pittance. “Free Lance” would not decry the importance of clear thinking in directing and controlling an industry, but he does think hat in some cases the director is awarded an undue proportion of the revenue. The matter needs adjustment for until it is adjusted man} of our social troubles will remain. We must impart more of the spirit, of true democracy in industry, and cast aside the caste system. We must, recognise the dignity of labour and admit that the man with the shovel and the broom in the city streets is as worthy of honour in the community as he who teaches, preaches, directs a_ business, or even spends his days in .driving a pen in an office or adding up coloumns of figures in a bank. That one man may be endowed with talents above his fellow's is not due to superior sagacity on his part, but it, does entail upon him additional responsibility in the rendition of service to his fellows It certainly docs not entitle him to look with disdainful eyes upon Hie less gifted brother. Snobbery, the spirit which induces the collar and cuff specimen to vaunt himself above the toiler by the .wayside is at the root of much of our social strife. If we had a proper conception of the joy of service what a different world it would be.

Tim quarantining of the Aorangi was a bit, of a sensation. We can sympathise with those passengers who were placed in isolation especially seeing that some had entered into lucrative engagements which had to be cancelled. Some of the passen-

Comment and Criticism.

(By “Free Lance.”)

gers, however, seem to have played up unduly and made the lot of the attendants considerably less pleasant than necessary. A community has a perfect right to protect itself against a disease which experience has showm is virulent and deadly. Science has provided certain safeguards and medical men know how' to apply them. If certain action follows the application of the remedy, it is tolerably safe to let the patient free, bub if there is no reaction that patient would be a menace if allowed to mingle with the public. This should be known to any person of average intelligence. It, therefore, says little for the spirit of those who rave about invidious distinctions in the treatment of the passengers. The fact that the authorities let some go should be accepted as evidence that they desired to minimise the inconvenience as much as possible. They should not be blamed if circumstances were such that they did not feel justified in releasing all without any discrimination. “'Free Lance” recalls the “hullabaloo" that was raised in 1918, when an influenza-stricken ship was permitted, to berth at Auckland; the action was blamed for the sufferings of those never-to-be-forgotten weeks. That the health, authorities of Auckland and Sydney wer® determined that, if humanly possible, smallpox would be prevented from getting a hold in New' Zealand and Australia is to their credit, and they are entitled to commendation, not denunciation, for their action.

The reported action by the British Banks in refusing to make advances against shipments of luxuries to Australia must-have-given our friends across the Tasman Sea a nasty jolt. It is a very pointed intimation that they will have to replace a diet of spiced cake with plain bread and butter. Of course such an order from outsiders will be most unpalatable, and doubly so when the martinet wbo issues it has the necessary power to enforce it. It will probably however, be the salvation of Australia. The “ \ussie " has heretofore contended that he can live his own life in his own way and that none could say him nay. The action of the bankers will do much to make him realise that countries, no more than individuals, can live unto themselves. Each is necessary to each, and in these days of flight and wireless communications that verity is -being pushed home with increas-i ins forC * e - , • ' • • 1 That things were approaching a climax in Australia was made manifest some tim® ago when two State Governments decreed a halt on horse and pony racing as. Ministers were convinced that the populace w r as spending too much time on the track and not sufficient in the field and the factory. The hint from the bankers that the people are living beyond their 'means will make the thoughtful ponder though possibly the thoughtless will begin to squeal about “unwarrantable interference” and so forth. But what about New' Zealand? Are we as a people going to benefit from the experience of Australia and take heed of our ways before we 100 are treated to some very pointed hints? The more stolid in the community are unquestionably becoming concerned at the grip the sporting spirit has upon us as a people. All classes of recreations are increasing their hold. They are being lifted from their legitimate place in community routine and being elevated into the chief purpose of life by an increasing number. If we devoted as much energy and enthusiasm to business as we do to sports and pastimes methinks we wmuld not have to deplore the ravages of depression and unemployment would be reduced to a minimum.