PASSING NOTES.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 984, 15 January 1883, Page 2

PASSING NOTES.

(A U communications to he addressed “ Aladdinoffice of this paper.) Before I forget it, I wish to make a suggestion to the Harmonic Society in connection with their concert to-morrow night. My suggestion is that the conductor should stand so that no more than his head and shoulders are above the stage level. At present his graceful form prevents the public from seeing the performers at all. So long as the Chorus can see bis baton it is sufficient —there is no virtue whatever in a fulllength exhibition of the conductor’s body to them. In the best operahouses the conductor is entirely hidden from the audience by a green baize shield ; so the conductor need not hesitate as to the propriety of the course suggested. I see the Borough Council have appointed Councillor Barton chairman of the Finance Committee in spite of his endeavour to get Councillor Gibson appointed to the office. This is ridiculous, but it is covered by the. French saying “ They wanted a financier—a dancing master obtained the situation.” Councillor Barton knows as much of finance as Councillor Gibson does of law. I saw all Patea on their knees before the two Ministers of the Crown on Saturday. The Government supporters prayed of Major Atkinson to help us, for that none other fighteth for us but only he. The Opposition escorted the Premier to the breakwater, thinking nothing so cogent as ocular demonstration. When the party reached its destination, I understand “ (hey robbed pussoy’s nose in it” properly. I hope the combined attack of the two parties will be beneficial to Patea.

Whatever doubts may exist as to the propriety of the Governor’s despatch, accusing Major Atkinson of having expressed a desire to see the native population of this Island exterminated, there can be. but one opinion as to the scandalous article appearing in the Hawera Star of the 11th inst. upon the subject. There is a kind of language which even Mark Twain’s pistolshooting bravo editor would be ashamed to apply to the actions of the President of the United States. The Hawera Star is not ashamed to apply, in the article referred to, the terms “ measureless liar” to Her Majesty’s representative in New Zealand, nor is he to talk of “ kicking him at Government House.” As my old drill sergeant in India used to say: “ Respect your officer. If you cannot respect the man, respect the cloth he wears Her Majesty’s uniform.” I would not use such language to my valet, sir! The editor of the Hawera Star should study the difference between saying that a man resembles “ a musical instrument struck by lightning ” and calling him a “ blasted lyre ” straight out. A gentleman reasons with a restive horse —a blackguard “ kicks ” him in the stomach. The distinction is of importance.

Tins County is governed to death. Thank goodness the local-govornment-rste-them-and-squandor hobby horse is being ridden to death. Just fancy ten Boards in the County of Patea alone. Each little Board pays rent, keeps books, pays salaries, and runs into money. The Borough Council, Domain Board, and Cemetery Board could be fused in the Borough Council. The Licensing Board should be abolished, and its powers transferred to the Resident Magistrate’s Court, The County Councils Road Boards, Harbor Boards, and Waste Lands Boards conld all be centred in one adminstrative Council for the provincial district of Taranaki. The money that goes every year in the payment of Chairmen’s salaries, travelling expenses of Councillors, salaries of Treasurers, Clerks, Engineers, and to bottle-holders generally, would pay for a thoroughly good office and an efficient staff for the provincial district. We should then, sir, I believe, be decently governed at less expense. Now we pay much to have it collared by industrious and covetous dog-tax collectors and mnddled away by dishonest servants. Why is it that the Government do not admit that the present system is ai contemptible and ridiculous break-down ? The fact is it is their own child, and, like all parents, they are blind to the fact that it is a booby. ' Aladdin,