The Passing Show.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20230, 26 June 1937, Page 15 (Supplement)

The Passing Show.

(By “Free Lance.")

Comment and Criticism

TWENTY-two outstanding Oxford economists have inaugurated a series of lectures in the London Times on how to avoid the next slump. I’ll lay even money that the number of solutions offered will not be fewer than 22. So Hitler feels there is something between Britain and France. Well, there’s water. “After 81 years I find I have not grown up,” states Mr George Bernard Shaw. So that has been his trouble. A Russian scientist claims that he can make the blind see. Garden Place controversialists should be interested in this. Commodity prices are still rising steadily. This means you can now buy less with the pound you haven’t got. “What is the present generation driving at?” asked a preacher the other Sunday. At miles an hour, apparently. General Pariani, Italian War Minister, is said to be determined to stamp out swearing among the troops. Soon the army life won't be worth living. Louis said that the championship boxing match would be a short one, “if I can make It short." That’s my policy, tout It often entails sprinting the first three miles. • • • • The Wellington Tailors’ Union is urging the Government to prohibit Count von Luckner’s entry into New Zealand. Anyone would think the Count was a nudist. • • • • Cable item: “A woman named Anna Swanepoel has awakened in hospital after sleeping for 31 years. This is believed to be a record.” Yes, I think even some of our sustenance men would agree with that. * » * ® It is reported that the Imperial Conference failed to achieve much unity. I take it as read, though, that the delegates unanimously approved the turtle soup at the Savoy Hotel. • • • • Labour leaders tell us democracy is impossible unless they stay in power. National Party leaders claim democracy is impossible unless they rule. Now my cousin Bill suggests scrapping both parties and introducing democracy.

According to an Australian editor, young reporters foolishly use alliteration for emphasis. Such silliness should secure severest censure. • • • • Anent that report of a Londoner who smashed his ukulele on the head of a burglar. He is to be congratulated on finding a use for the thing. More complaints are being made about the press barons in England. Well, the only thing ia to dam the Beaver-brook and drain the Rother-mere. * Breeders have decided to request the Government to enact legislation to prevent unsound horses travelling the country. I hope punters will be invited to assist in any remedial action. « • • • Mr J. Piermont Morgan (I forget whether his private fortune is £60,000,000 or £500,000,000, but it is somewhere near that) reckons that evading the income tax is not a crime. It Is oomforUng to know I osn quote this authority to the magistrate when my time comes. . . Answers to Correspondents: Anxious. No we do not think that the evidence of inebriety is conclusive. The fact that tho watering can was near the door, and his great love of flowers may have caused your husband to water the flowers in the hall carpet. . , , . OLD OMAR MUSE* ADAIR. Lord Buddha, sitting underneath the Bo Tree and mustn® for forty years or bo Pound at last in man’s desire and preed The source and fountain or all numan woe. And Isa, gentlest prophet ever known, dcorned the paltry splendour of the throne. But humbly walked, and taught our grasping race That mortal man lives not by bread alone. And as I pore on history’s long page. Or else In meditation deep engage. Prom arm chair snug I idly view the strife, ftna smoke my pip®, and let the neatnen rage. Food and love and peace are all I crave. On this long road from blrtn-bed to tne grave. And strength to take what rails of good or ill. And thanking Allah for the gifts he gave.