DROPS OF INK.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 2, Issue 145, 14 November 1913, Page 4

DROPS OF INK.

Bv PENN NIB. Ljiog in Manukau load, n.t far from the East strett LnJge, is a cumretc road rtHer, inn tour;d. Anciert histo<y has it that the old Town Board got this remarkable implement to 1011 the roads with. If that were so the board had the road-makirg idea all right, but they procured a tack hammer to do the work of a sledge driver. Somebcdv says that the roller was used -on:e. But for a coaple of years past i f , has stood by the wayiide, rusting its:lf out. The Borough Council really ought to convert it inti money, if it is to convertible. If net they phould give the implement away. If no one will accept the gift they should drown it.

The disclosure that several boxes of butter have lately been stolen whil'.t in transit between here and Auckland poinis to the fa:t that thefts from the railway ecrvice are much more frequent than they ought to be. I know that in Auckland the Department has a "lott luggage" section, but that department is probably the most inaccurately— I have striven to find a more suitable adjective to express what I mean--managed branch of our public service. Travellers are long suffering and the list of "lost" parcels and "lo3t" luggage would, if printed, stagger the soberest of Benses. Of course in this butter instance it was a case of sheer theft, but the fact remains unaltered that if the Railway Department needs anything to-day it needs a detective service. When the ticket inspectors were appointed, the guards "stood on their dignity" and protested in voluble terms. But this writer says without hesitation that such cheap Tides without "Department" retain as some guatds sanctioned is quite insignificant compared with the "steals" that are going on throughout the railway service and which are capable of prevention. It cannot be expsetJd that the railway officials will add detective work tu their present duties. \

The first Government report on the Pukekohe domain reads: "Allotment 5a of suburba.i sectiuD No. 2, parish of Pukekohr. Area: 3 acres, 3 rood!, 34 perches. No report furnished.' So far it h well that there should be "no reoort." But what will be said of this domain in twelve montha' time? Will Pukekohe be able to say that it is a place of beauty, a resting place for wives and children, a definite local attraction"' The Borough Council is the body to answer these questions.

The civic life of Pukekohe is not yet under perfect control. The other night a horse was tied across the King street Tootpath, much to the discomfort ol pedestiians. Throughout last tennis season players regularly used Blake's fence as tying posts for their horses and vehicles, regardless of the fact that the footpath has other uses. Last Saturday the practice was resumed and users of the path had either to scramble through tying ropes or torses hgs, or walk on to the alleged road over their boot-tops in mud.