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Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 104, 9 October 1878, Page 2

When Mr Anthony Tbollope, of " blowing" celebrity, visited the Colonies, and satirised the various idiosyncrasies of colonists, there was one little weakness which stands out m bold relief, but which nevertheless escaped tho pen of the critic — we allude to the inordinate and insane love of bestowing testimonials and bowing down before wealth and success. The subject is brought to our mind by observing m the column of the Press Agency that a testimonial had been presented at Timaru to Mr Woolcombb, the late Resident Magistrate, the testimonial consisting of a silver tea-service and a purse containing one hundred and sixty sovereigns. As a matter of curiosity we would like to analyse the motives which prompted the presentation, or the claims upon which the late Justice based his acceptance. While Mr Wooicombe was upon the Bench he was the butt for adverse criticism, Press and public joining together to ridicule his actions and question his judgments ; but Mr Woolcom'be is about to sever the chain which bound him so long to Timaru, and all is forgotten m the delightful opportunity afforded for gush. Such, however, is one of the phases of Colonial life. Tomkins has made a pile, determines to cut' business, sell out, and go home to do the Grand Tour. No sooner has his intention become known than a 1 public banquet ia given m his honor, at which he is presented with a purse of sovei reigns, m token of the esteem his fcllowtownsnien pay to his success, enough praises ■ are sung to have satisfied even a Diogenes m his search, and put a stop to further pere- | grinations. Simpkins, on the other hand, after a long and brave fight, finds he has to put up his shutters and seek " fresh fields and pastures new." Are there any posti prandial speeches eulogistically extolling his many struggles, or sympathetic wishes for his future welfare ? Rather not. But it is human nature, and a confirmation of the old adage, " Q-reat help waits on little need." Did you never meet an old acquaintance whom you had not seen for years. He tells you, perhaps, that he has been digging, and that Fortune has smiled upon his labors, and relieved him of the necessity of further toil. Though that man may be dressed m moleskin, while you are m broadcloth ; though his hands are huge and his hair unkempt, you immediately entertain a profound respect for him. Are you ashamed of his company, or do you blush at his ignorance of Liudlev Mctbray ? No ; far from it. Although if anyone were to hint at the idea of your being bettered one single sixpence by his affluence, you would be insulted ; yet involuntarily and unconsciously you ignore his vulgarity on account of his wealth. Should his name be mentioned m your presence, and comments made upon his riches, you never miss an opportunity of telling how intimate you are with him, and how much he thinks of you. How take the other side. There is your old college chum, or may be, shipmate, whom you saw yesterday slink along the street wet and miserable. You saw the passers-by cast looks of pity afc his faded gentility. Had anyone asked you who he was, you would not have been so ready to blazon forth your intimacy. But such is life, and such is human nature. Had Mr Wooloombb been the most energetic, painstaking, and efficient officer, and, on removal, been sadly m want of that purse of sovereigns, we very much question if he would ever have become tlie owner.