CURRENT TOPICS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 17, 17 December 1932, Page 6

CURRENT TOPICS

(By “Wayfarer.”)

New Rector: Do you have matins here now ? . T . , Parish Clerk: No, sir. Linoleum all up aisle. _ #

In Australia there has been found a remarkable insect, similar to a snail, which when touched is able to flatten itself out like a gum leaf. Seems as if the insects have learned of tho leg theory bowling of the Englishmen.

All over the world are to be found monuments to British engineering skill—docks, harbours, bridges railways, dams and so on all of vhich bear the hall mark of superlative workmanship. It i* not surprising therefore that to a British firm Dorman, Long and Co. the builders of Bydnev’s famous bridge, has been entrusted the constructing of the Stormstrommen bridge in Denmark connecting Zeeland and Falster. It will be the longest bridge in Europe. It will be three and a quarter kilometres (more than two miles) in length, and will be constructed of British steel throughout. It will carry both rail and road traffic, and the main centre span will be more than eighty feet above sea level to permit of the passage of ships. lire cost of the bridge, which it is hoped will shortly be under construction, is estimated at approximately two millions sterling. * m * m

Recent proceedings m the British Parliament were unusually prolific or that laughter which alleviates tough debate. Bir Stafford Cripps, of tne labour Opposition, supplied the following description of tne Liberal tribal warfare: —There were the two tribes, whom perhaps they mignt call xhose unaer the prophet the invites and those under the Foreign Secretary, the Sit-tights; and there was that small but intrepid body of skirmishers which seemed to be rot ating round th© Hanks of both, whom perhaps they might call the Amalgamites.

From Mr Baldwin came an anecdote illustrating his remark that Sir Herbert Samuel had never acknowledged himself to be in the wrong: From that famous university, of wmch he is a representative of the fine flower of its culture, not very long ago a learned don, who never would admit himself in the wrong, met a friend of his, and said, “Do you know, yesterday I met Mrs So-and-Sp, who is your sister.” “No,” said his friend, “not my sister; she is my aunt.” “I think,” said the don rather acidly, “that on reflection you will find sne is your sister.” « * .. * « •

English estates which have recently been in the market provide an opportunity to study England’s history. There is one estate at Highgate associated with an old inn which, until 30 years ago, stood in the pride of the Royal cipher V.R. and Aijms. This (it is related) was granted by Queen Victoria, soon after her accession, for services rendered’ by the landlord when the wheel of her carriage came off and the horses got out of hand. A November auction of part of Bulstrode, Gerrards Cross, revives the fame of Shobington, the Saxon chief, who with some of his followers rode on bulls and put the Normans to a panic-stricken flight. William the Conqueror, impressed by the valour and novelty of the defences, summoned Shobington to him. The Saxon, with seven sons, all riding on bulls, accepted the safe conduct, and was promised immunity from any more attacks; and the place was thereafter called Shobington Bulstrode. “Mondisfield Hall” of Edna Lyall’s story “In the Golden Days” —really Badmondisfield Hall, a moated Elizabethan manor house, at Wickham brook, Suffolk —is an example of another kind of historical distinction. * * * * *

The übiquitous errand boy in Alaidstone, Kent, England, has been given the opportunity to disprove the unkindly allegation that he is a tortoise creature. Once a year this town holds an event known as the Errand Boys’ Derby, and the occasion is regarded as so unusual that even the London newspapers send their special representatives to describe it. vVhen the first competition was held fast year, the winner was not only given a “rise” by his gratified employer, but the race induced among the er-rand-boys of Alaidstone a quickening of pace which did not spend itself for many weeks. There were over 60 entrants on this occasion, and these were divided according to age and whether they “ran” on foot or on bicycles. Butcher-boys, baker-boys, grocer-boys, and miscellaneous boys lined up on the town’s car park, and made a brave show. Those who did not wear cap and uniform were immaculate in dress, and their hair shone with unwonted pomade. Nor were speed and “appearance” the only essentials. As a matter of fact, strong emphasis was laid upon politeness, in which regard a fishmonger’s boys won full marks from one steward for his courteous reminder that “Oysters are now in season, sir.” The race ended at the steps of the Town Hall, and there, in the midst of a smiling throng, the prize-winners received their awards from the hands of the Alayoress herself —prizes in cash and “kind” and a challenge cup for the employer of the champion! » * * *

England has in its unemployment problem a social evil which has attracted the attention and sympathy of all classes. All sorts of movements, it is reported, are springing up with the laudable object of making the enforced idleness of men and youths endurable. The Alinistry of Labour took the lead, recently, by opening a course of physical training for unemployed men at Pontypridd, and the experiment was so successful in developing a healthy psychological reaction that it is to be widely extended. The course extends over a period of 12 weeks, and the exercises consist chiefly of Swedish drill under competent instructors. The Atancliester Universty Social Settlement, on the other hand, is showing the -way to cope with the ever-grow-ing number of workless boys and youths, too many of whom, from sheer boredom, are finding their way into the criminal courts. It maintains a Pilgrim Club, which began in the summer of 1980 with a 12 weeks’ camp on a stretch of mooreland near Atarple. The idea was to get hold of a number of boys who, having left school, had found no jobs or had soon lost them on attaining the age of 16—that tragic ago when a youth becomes too expensive for his employer. The hours at the club are spent by the boys, who range from 14 to 18 years, in fitting themselves for work and for the rational use of their leisure. Formal classes and courses are avoided. Rather is it the aim to seizo on any obscured proclivity or faculty and to develop it by individual encouragement and skilled instruction. Thus, games both outdoor and indoor, handicrafts, hobbies, and gymnastics are the principal forms of activity. London, it is added, unfortunately lags sadly behind in such unselfish attempts to relieve the monotony of unemployment, and the metropolitan streets and parks bear poignant witness to the fact,