HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE,

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17982, 29 March 1930, Page 6

HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE,

(By “Gleaner.”) THE WELLINGTON CARILLON. Apparently not every one appreciates the music of the Wellington War Memorial carillon at present in Hyde Park, London. So many reports expressing admi-ation of the carillon have reached New Zealand that it comes as a distinct shock to read the very opposite, especially when the paragraph in question comes from the pen of such an erudite scholar and writer as Mr Philip Guedalla. Writing to the London Times on the sub--ject of the proposed vandalism in Hyde and Regent Parks by the Labour Government, Mr Guedalla says: “Under the new technique a bright idea occurs to the First Commissioner of Works; one of his wealthier acquaintances defrays the cost; and by this genial blend of autocracy and capitalism no Vote comes before the House of Commons. Thus one learns with apprehension that we are promised a perpetuation of the carillon which, housed in a card-board lighthouse, ennobles the central spaces of Hyde Park with music that reminds some of Belgium, and others of a demented kitchenmaid playing upon tin trays. I make no attempt to decide between these schools of thought. But both undoubtedly exist; and each should have an opportunity to express itself 'before the usual combination of Mr Lansbury and a millionaire decrees that “The Bluebells of Scotland” are to bloom tinnily (and at regular intervals) in what was once an oasis of comparative silence in the surrounding din of London.” » » « » THE PRICE OF SILVER-

Bar silver continues to fall in price, and it has declined to a fresh low record. The fall concided with the resumption of Glijlhese dealings t on 'the termination of the Chinese New Year holidays, but it was not ascribed to this cause alone, for China both, bought and sold, and India was a small buyer.

The weakness was also due to large selling on Continental account, mainly French. In all probability the French silver represents old silver coinage melted doyvn and refined, the supply of which is now found to be in excess of the amount required for the new French silver coinage, which consists only of sf. pieces. These, moreover, are much smaller in size than the old 51. pieces, owing lo the fall in the value of the franc. It is impossible to say how long the French sales on this market will continue, but they add another adverse factor to the many which oppress the silver market. < • • * * TURKEY’S DEBT. From recent news it would appear only too true that Turkey is contemplating a return to a state of default on her foreign debt. The Government would appear to have decided to ask for a moratorium of five years, though it is pointed out that payments for the current financial year have already been made. In" view of the fact that it was less than a year ago that the debt service on the modified terms embodied m the last agreement was resumed, Turkey cannot be credited with Laving made any long struggle to fulfil ■her 'bargain with the bondholders. That agreement was reached, only after years of negotiation, in February, 1928, and owing to the continued procrastination of the Turkish authorities another 15 months or ■thereabouts elapsed before it took effect in the shape of interest payments. The scheme as finally drafted demanded heavy sacrifices of the bondholders, and taking into consideration the protracted consideration which she gave to the terms it was naturally assumed by representatives of the bondholders that Turkey had no doubt of her ability to implement 6 Whether the Angora Government will reconsider its decision is a.matter for the future, hut it is certain that if another default be Permitted Tartar, prospects of market for new capital—which s ■badly needed for the full economic restoration of the country—will fads still farther into the background. * * * * THE LATE MR TAFT. The death of ex-President Taft removes a notable figure from American public life. He was the only man who had held the two offices of President and Chief Justice; he was a very ah administrator, and a diplomat of tact and suavity. His real love was in the Jaw and in becoming Chief Justice he achieved his life's ambition. He had no genuine desire to be President, but was driven to the job by Roosevelt Having driven him in, R° osevelt * lso drove him out by starting the Bull Moose (Progressive) Party, which split the Republican vote, and let Woodrow Wilson in with a huge majority m the electoral college. * * * *

HIGHLY COLOURED. \ very neat example of the way in which the precise significance of a word is debased and obliteiated by careless use is supplied by a Home paper headline, “Galaxy of Colours. The word “galaxy” really means the Milky Way and embodies the root of the actual Greek word for milk, so that whatever other things a galaxy may be extended to cover it cannot very well be made to include a kaleidoscope It will be a bad night for even the most daring sub-editor when the Galaxy across the heavens is indistinguishable from a rainbow—-and an even worse morning when the milk arrives in coloured streaks. $ * * * A BOXING CONFERENCE. One feels sure that there is at least one group of people among whom the methods of the Naval Conference must be regarded as a great Sr„»ement on tbe , v av of settling ihese aie .i, J gentlemen who one by one stand stand up in front of Signor Camera, ‘the boxer and, after a period of hosmi ties lasting on an average one minute, .have each a separate peace imnosed upon him. . . Amor Camera, with his nmetcentonnage and proportionately licavv offensive armament, is certainly a person whom it is more comfortable to meet at a conference table than in the ring. His opponents must bitterly appreciate the difficulty of at tabling a parity between the battleishins and the cruisers of pugilism.