The Passing Show.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19457, 22 December 1934, Page 13 (Supplement)

The Passing Show.

A HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all readers, near and far. At the moment of writing there seems every indication that the hearty wishes for joy and happiness being exchanged will be abundantly fulfilled. There is surely reason for rejoicing in the fact that adversity has never extinguished the lights on our Christmas altars and that even when the necessity for economy has prevented lavish expenditure the . spirit of Christmas has been fostered by the exchange of greetings and by songs of peace and goodwill, which have resounded above the screech of shot and shell and the cries of the needy. Overseas conditions causing an impetus to national trade, our own community in common with 'Other parts reports brisker Christmas business, and the streets are crowded with eager shoppers whose enthusiasm and cheerfulness should be sufficient to inoculate the most confirmed Scrooge with the germ of happiness. Preparations . for the visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester have also stimulated trade and added to the excitement and happiness of the festive season. The Royal visitor is welcome not only as a representative of the Crown, but because of his genial personality and the unanimous wish of New Zealanders is that His Highness will enjoy hi? sojourn in these far-flung isles. *. * * • Amid the bustle of holiday preparations we must not overlook the deeper significance of Christmastide. and as we listen to the sweet carols and hear the old, old story of “good tidings of great joy” all hearts should find an abiding place for that peace and goodwill which form the foundation.stones of all true happiness —individual and national. , - * * * * . Parliamentarians are only human. They often find long s'ittings in hot weather conducive to brain fag, but possibly they are never made aware of the humorous results of their complaint until some merciless reporter lets the cat out of the bag, or the little pink volume furnishes amazing revelations. In the course of a speech In a southern town a member of the House of Representatives related ludicrous remarks passed by members of Parliament from time to time. “It is no use my taking any notice- of the hon| member for Wairarapa,” one member had said; “anything you say to him goes in one ear and out the other like water on a duck’s back." Another very jumbled remark passed was: “Here we find ourselves harnessed to the chariot wheel of the huge octopus which is crucifying the people.” On another occasion a member was upholding a widows petition. “Mr Speaker,’* lie said, the' woman saw my r face she burst into tears.” “No wonder!" was the ready retort from the Opposition Benches. • *’• • * Although young people leaving school still find difficulty in obtaining employment, most headmasters report an increase in the number of positions offering. Boys’ Employment Committees state that there is now much less difficulty in placing applicants, almost all of whom are happy in their positions. In one of our cities one of the officials received a letter which was an illustration of the way the boys were feeling even if the epistle did not happen to be a model of composition. “ Dear Mr Mac t'he young hopeful wrote, 1 am very satisfied with my position. My employer. Mr . is a perfect gentleman, and his wife is just the same. * * * Hamilton was indeed honoured to be included in the itinerary of His Majesty’s

Comment and Criticism.

(By “Free Lance”).

Grenadier Guards’ Band, for only after protracted negotiations extending over many years was permission at last granted by His Majesty the King for the Guards’ Band to tour Australia and New Zealand. The premier regimental band of the United Kingdom, the Grenadier Guards’ Band is much in demand to fulfil engagements not only in \ Great Britain but on the Contlent. Tha crowds who assembled at the official welcome, the children’s recital and at the public performance were evidence that Hamiltonians were aware of the honour they were enjoying in listening to such a-distin-guished company of musicians. Their highest anticipations were realised, individual talent, developed by thorough training and co-ordinated by expert conductorship, produced music that was a delightful revelation. Almost as enjoyable as the rendition of difficult operatic selections was the playing of popular compositions and national airs which down the centuries have been British favourites. The invitation to the audience to join in the singing of “ Land of Hope and Glory ” and the National Anthem increased the feelings of unity and stirred the patriotism that lives in the heart of the humblest citizen in the most remote corner of our great Empire. • * * • Hamiltonians certainly did not sing,_their best. At first there seemed to exist of feeling of uncertainty as to whether the conductor desired the audience to participate, although he was obviously endeavouring to encourage latent vocal abilities. Besides, who was to be t'he first to lift up his voice? *AII the same, one could not help wondering what had happened to all our budding soloists. Anyway, we did our best, and' if wa were rather dumb, we w r ere certainly not lacking in enthusastic appreciation of tha beautiful music we were privileged to hear. • * • * Much more regrettable than Hamilton’a failure to rise to the occasion vocally, was the “gate-crashing” which occurred ( on •the occasion of the performance for tha benefit of the school children. Unfortunately, there are in every place those who are lacking in courtesy and honour, but considering that even tht Board of Governors .were not invited people might liava curbed tl;eir eagerness. This was the only open air performance arranged for the benefit of the children throughout the tour of Australia and New Zealand, and tlie saddest feature of the incident is that the management of the celebrated band may not be so inclined to concede to the rexiuests for similar performances in other places. Thus a few foolish folk may have, jeopardised the chances of children in other parts hearing music, the memory of whioh they would have treasured all their lives. * # • • ~ At this season camping occupies considerable attention among the younger generation. Clubs which organise such functions certainly do much to foster the team spirit, besides cultivating independence. Last year when watching Boy Scouts unloading luggage off a lorry and pushing heavy trollies, the writer could not help remarking wffiat excellent husbands they would make. If their youthful accomplishments were any criterion they would never be likely to sit reading their evening paper while their wives struggled with huge piles of dishes. The girls also receive splendid training when left to .cater for themselves, the initiative they show being nothing short of surprising. For instance, not so long ago -the writer heard of a bevy of maidens who, faced with a soap shortage, made no secret of the fact that they had washed the dishei in Palmolive!