The Passing Show.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18004, 26 April 1930, Page 13 (Supplement)

The Passing Show.

MR W. H. ATKINSON, whose untimely end in London was recently announced, was known to- many in Hamilton and his peculiar talent a few months ago was a theme of common comment in certain circles. Some professed to believe that that gift would prove most lucrative and, of course, there were those who earnestly coveted it. Some claimed to possess it. “Free Lance” was invited to witness a demonstration given by one such It was awe-inspiring. The demonstrator’s hand moved rapidly over the paper, and a weird and remarkable drawing was produced. The interested spectators had never seen anything like it, and the demonstrator was approached for an explanation. He appealed to the spirits and was informed that it was something or other pertaining to the Roman period. The demonstrator declared that he had no natural aptitude for drawing, and even with the aid of the spirits his name has not yet appeared on the scroll of fame as an artist, and 'Free Lance” is doubtful if it ever will. A lady in Auckland also claims to produce automatic drawings and believes herself to be under the control of an old Italian master painter. It would be interesting to know if that master painter has made any appreciable progress in his art since he passed over. Ttiat is a question for experts to decide. It is claimed on behalf of another lady artist that when “under the influence” she produces wonderful designs for stained windows for temples. “Free Lance,” remembering that Hamilton demonstration, will admit that “wonderful” is probably the correct adjective, but it should be prefixed by “fearful and.” This is the twentieth century, and superstition is supposed to be dead. Apparently, however, we are returning to voodooism and other pernicious cults.

He was a capitalist, and had money out on mortgage. One of his clients was in deep water and could not make his payments on the due date. The mortgagee and mortgagor were members of a certain society and the former, meeting one of the brotherhood, a prominent official therein, expressed to him his concern anent the position of the mortgagor and thought the society should do something for him. ,Thc prominent brother was concerned; he did not desire to see the mortgagor “squeezed” out of his property, and he made some searching inquiries of his informant, as to whether the mortgagee could not be induced to hold off, grant a renewal, or make some concession to enable the debtor to get on his feet. To all his queries he was given some very doleful replies, and was told that the financier was adamant; but “the society - really should help that poor brother.” “Who is this man who is so intent upon getting his pound of flesh?” asked prominent brother. Needless to say

Comment and Criticism.

(By “Free Lance.”)

the interrogator was astounded when he ascertained that the man so concerned for the plight of the mortgagor was none other than the mortgagee himself. Sympathy does not cost some people much sacrifice.

* # a * A matter which has given rise to somo \ pointed comment in a southern centre does ] not put the Automobile Association in a' favourable lignt.. 't he local body, having reason to believe that the speed regu’a-. tions were being infringed, took steps tot check up the position. The inspector sett his plans accordingly, but the local officials • of the association heard of the move and allegedly took steps to warn motorists to be j extra careful when approaching the borough. The association has on more than one occasion declared that its policy is to hack up tne authorities in their efforts to. ensure safety on the roads by the elimina- I tior: of the reckless element. If the action 1 of the branch officials referred to is the 1 method to be adopted In carrying profes- 1 sions .into practice, all other classes of 7 traffic will soon come to regard the associa- ( tion as the abettor of road hogs, and asj such it will be justly contemned.

A Hamilton youth and a valuable musical instrument'parted company under circumstances recently ventilated in the court. The sequel is interesting: the youth applied for the restoration of the instrument, but was told that it would be necessary to “redeem” it by paying the pledge fees. He protested, but was told that he should consider himself lucky that he had the opportunity of getting back his property on payment of about the twentieth of its reputed value. There the matter stands at present. If, however, the law is as stated, then law and justice, as understood by “Free Lance” are not relative terms. ,

Whilst at Ferry Bank on a recent Sunday afternoon “Free Lance” was greatly struck by the beauty of the spot and the natural facilities it possesses for open air meetings. Could not more use be made of that band rotunda? What about an occasional community sing? It properly organsed it would attract the multitude and the spirit is always present in a crowd which will induce them to sing lustily if given an opportunity and a little encouragement.

A mechanic was laying a foundation which it was essential should be true by spirit level and plumline. The work was located in a dark corner and it- was impossible to see the “ bubble " of the level Undaunted, the mechanic placed the instrument on the slab, picked It up, carried it to the light, gravely declared that it showed the foundation was “ absolutely level ” and proceeded with the erection/ Fact I