The Passing Shew.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 18986, 1 July 1933, Page 13 (Supplement)

The Passing Shew.

(By 11 Fi Experience and expert knowledge lend significance to the remarks of Mr R. W. Gibbs, chairman of directors of the Bank of New Zealand. Rabid revolutionaries may regard the banker as a' bloated capitalist whose views are distorted by prejudice, but that does not prove that people are justified in turning a deaf ear to those who can truthfully claim to speak with authority. The simple language in which the remarks were couched was a contrast to the erudite ebullitions of our budding economists who become so involved that one begins to wonder whether they understand themselves.

Mr Gibbs did not state that the present currency system was incapable of improvement, but he did point out that certain proposals, feasible in the large financial centres, may prove impracticable in the Dominions. However, the chairman did not dwell so long on schemes current for reforming monetary affairs as upon instances where the prevailing system has been abused. He and his colleague, Sir George Elliot, did not suggest a campaign of reconstruction, but had much to say about the loosening of the purse-strings in certain directions, while advocating as general principles the homely virtues of hard work and living within one’s means, and condemning lavish expenditure on the part of Governments and municipalities. Like Naaman of old we incline to the belief that only some drastic remedy can cure our disease, but the familiar waters upon which we look disdainfully may yet prove our salvation.

The deliberations of the recent National Dairy Conference taken in conjunction with the statements concerning the colossal figures attained by the New Zealand Dairy Company, Limited, and the high quality of the products maintained despite adverse conditions ought to restore faith in the potentialities of the New Zealand dairy industry, and the remarks on the debatable subjects of overproduction and exchange should prove especially reassuring to those whose incomes are mainly derived from the land. Readjustments, improvements and reorganisation may be necessary, but while we live in a fertile district where the farmers’ requirements are served through such an efficient co-operative system surely the future is not entirely bereft of, hope.

Yes, the Dairy Conference seemed to be conducted in a harmonious and dignified manner that apparently pleased everyone, the only complaint issuing from the Hawera delegate who so politely told his Hamilton hosts that lie hoped the next conference would be held at Ilawera as lie was sure they could provide more accommoda tion. Should net our local hotel and board-ing-house proprietors commence negotiations at once for enlargement of their premises, so that all will be in order for the next sitting of the conference in Hamilton? Really, we should be able to show Ilawera the way to do things 1

Comment and Criticism.

'ree Lance.”) The night was freezlngly cold, and tn* roaring fire was most inviting. “You won’t get people out to a ‘community sing’ on a night like this,” remarked one member of the family.—“ Besides,” he went on, “you know what Hamiltonians are like. They are not self-starters.” “Well,” I began, community singing has proved popular in Auckland and Wellington.—Oh, well, I will not waste time arguing. I will go along and •see what is doing,” I said. Arrived at the hall I found folks coming in by twos and threes, and soon the building was full. There were school-children, young men and maidens who had temporarily forsaken badminton racquets for songbooks, tired mothers who felt like a song or two to cTtetf them on their way, and busy men with a look of condescension on their faces, as if to explain that they would not be there if their families had not persuaded them, and of course they did not intend letting themselves lose dignity by singing too much. ■» * * * “Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile,” the audience began timidly. “But when you sing ‘smile,’ why don’t you smile?” asked the songleader. So the crowd learned to smile crescendo. Then competitive singing began, and one had to join in to the best of one’s ability, and not let one’s team down —anyway the chaps on the other side couldn’t sing. Next the “Long Long Trail” was blended with “A Long Way to Tipperary.” Musical folk had to put their fingers to their ears and their “highbrowism” in their pockets. Yet, there is a surprising amount of fun to be had out of making a noise. Now, there’s Mr Busy Businessman actually singing "Polly Wolly Doodle” and enjoying himself- And who would have thought that one of our prominent social workers who is also a leading musician would have requested No. 9? Entertained with much infectious humour from the leaders and enjoying renewed acquaintance with many an old favourite, the audience found the time taking wings. “Never mind the weather, never mind the rain, here we are together—-all good friends and jolly good company,” they sang and as they echoed the tunes the next day one can be sure they all felt happier and that the general verdict was, “Let’s have another sing soon.” # * 5 * An interesting Court case was the appeal by a woman of Palmerston North from a conviction imposed on her for riding a horse along a grass plot, the concurring judges hcldhig the by-law to be ultra vires and repugnant to the law of New Zealand. Acs we to infer, therefore, that councillors may plant or cause to be planted any number of grass plots to be destroyed ad libitum by flic residents or animals of any kind belonging thereunto? Have the councillors hereto referred no protection from the abovementioned judges? What an opportunity for hooligans of that bright type responsible for making havoc of the relief workers’ shelters!