The Passing Show.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18797, 19 November 1932, Page 11 (Supplement)

The Passing Show.

Comment and Criticism.

(By “Free Lance.”)

SENATOR BORAH, the prominent statesman of the United Sta Les, is nothing if not pertinent, and when he speaks, there is generally wisdom. In some comments on the debt Issue he pointed out that there is a very close connection between the individual and the nation. It is a pregnant fact but one which is frequently overlooked, and it was good to note Mr Borah stressing it. The things, he in effect declared, that drive a nation into bankruptcy are the same that in the social sphere send the Individual citizen to the Ollicial Assignee. It Is well that the truth should be stressed, for the individual is apt, to think that he can hide himself in the multitude. He cannot do so; the nation is a composite of the Individual, and the traits of Lhe units are the characteristics of the mass. Mr Borau blames the Briton for Britain’s predicament, and points out that as the disease is at the root it is folly to treat the leaf. He has stated the case tersely and pointedly. Will his warning be heeded? w * « * Mr Stanley Baldwin, the British Leader, is not a sensation monger; he is a cool, calculating practical Briton. Therefore, his comments on the horrors of aerial warfare can be removed from the category of the fanciful and listed amongst the facts. And they demand the attention of every person of every nation who lias a spark of humanitai'ism in his composition. The picture lie presents of towns being devastated within a few minutes of a declaration of war must make the average man shudder, for undoubtedly it would mean the crash of our civilisation, and mankind would be relegated back to the cave and stone age when might was the only law and oruelty reigned supreme. We are apt to treat such warnings as those voioed by Mr Baldwin lightly, and to regard them largely as “ hot air." We are not justified in doing so, for aviation has made immense strides since 1918, and should there be another cataclysm, there can be no question that awful and horrifying, as were the destruction and devastation wrought by bombs on cities, they will be multiplied many fold in future conflicts. The realisation that such things are possible should make every individual citizen declare that they shall not occur, and as stated in the previous note, if such is the determination of all s'o shall it be

of the commanding woman who referred to Jehovah as if He were a prominent politician slaying at her country house, as he reflected that this type of irreverence is not to be found only within the pages of a book, but might possibly be found personified not l'ar away

Rarely has the Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association been favoured with, such delightful weather as that which helped to make the summer show an unqualified success. Brightened by the summer sunshine the trim grounds, freshly green from recent rains, with-their background of cabbage-palms in full flower, made as beautiful a setting as could be found for such an exhibition. During the last few years townspeople have been loatn to leave the tennis court, the cricket pitch and the bowling green to attend a function which they thought more fit for “cookies” than for business folk, but those who attended this year must have agreed that they had had a pleasant outing. They could not fail to appreciate the splendid specimens of Waikato stock exhibited in comfortablyhoused pens or participating in the parade, and they watched the jumping and steerriding with keen interest.

The holding of the Kennel Club’s show in conjunction with the agricultural event was a good inspiration, for there is no doubt that the canines added greatly to” the day's attractions. In substituting radio music for band items, the association has made a mistake, for though the reception was good and the music suitable, the numbers were audible only close to the instrument, whereas a band can be enjoyed almost all over the grounds and helps to engender the carnival spirit in a way orchestral items could never accomplish. However, this year’s show set a high standard, and, with a little more attention to the entertainment side, so that the exhibition does not develop into a mere display of stock, there is no reason why Hamilton’s summer show should not enjoy the fame and popularity of out: famous Winter Exhibition.

The steer-riding was the biggest thrill. From the moment the drovers cracked their whips and rounded up the animals in the arena in a manner reminiscent of the days of ancient Rome, the crowd watched tense with excitement. Discussing the subjeot with a friend, tho writer was surprised to be flatly contradicted upon reference to steers. “They were cows,” he was told, and, in vain he protested that the ones he saw were steers. "Free Lance" did not grow up on a farm, but he did think he knew the difference! The only solution lie can think of was that there were steers and cows. There was no doubt about the fun of the entertainment, though the pastime docs seem uncivilised. When the creatures become aware of their burden, they adopt the quaintest gait Imaginable. Keeping -front and hind legs stiff, itttiey commence a series of high jumps, which are indescribably funny, exoept to the victim, who has to hang on for dear life,’ Even when they succeed in dislodging their mounts, the animals keep up their gymnastics for a considerable distance with the idea of taking all possible precaution. One poor beast w r as so maddened by the insane behaviour of the humans that he ran all round the ring, and might have dona mischief but for the watchful eye of the driver. There is no doubt that care should he exercised regarding a sport so dangerous. However, the exhibition created a diversion, besides showing to advantage liic pluck, perspicacity and slecrmanship of our young farmers.

**m • * The fires of controversy still rage concerning Mr Dallimore’s healing mission. Whenever some long-suffering listener can he found, enthusiasts upon both sides pour out their stories of miraculous cures claimed or alleged statements disproved. The detailed description of the various afflictions, and the zeal with which the arguments are conducted would be ludicrous were they not such pathetic revelations of the pains and sorrows of suffering humanity. However, the man of the world often finds his tongue in his cheek as he listens to .these exclamations or denunciations, for he knows how prone is the average person to exaggeration, and how quickly and easily rumour distorts truth. m * o t

The writer prefers to add no fuel to the flames by discussion of such a delicate matter. 'However, he would like to commend one of our local clergymen for striking the right note when he said that he could not but be prejudiced against one who, when calling upon the Creator of the Universe, “Who spreadest out the heavens as a curtain,” addressed Almighty God in terms he might have used in speaking to his nextdoor neighbour. “Free Lance” was reminded of T. B. Priestley’s clever satire on the second Resurrectionists, and especially