Random Notes

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 43, 20 January 1894, Page 12

Random Notes

Last week J pave, in exfenso , a model examination paper in geography, which I donbt not will he adopted in due time by the proper persons. Since writing the note referred to, I have had the opportunity •of perusing an account of an equally interesting viva voce examination in Divinity. The hei’o of the proceedings, known in later times as the Hon. Robert Lowe, of match-tax fame, is the examinee, and also reporter of the proceedings, and the account is from the recently published memoirs of Lord Brabourne, a work which is not, unfortunate]y, upon the shelves of •our athenaeum :

“It will be remembered,” he writes, “ that I had made myself rather conspicuous by- my- speeches in the debating society, and I suppose that it is to that I must attribute the very •singular examination to which I was subjected by Mr Lancaster, one of the classical examiners. It was to the following effect: — Examiner ; “ Which gave the better counsel to Rehoboaxn, the young men or the old ?” L©we : “ The old men. It was quite right to lighten taxation.” Examiner : “ Did Solomon obtain large revenues by commerce ?” Lowe: “ I don’t think so. Princes have, as Adam Smith tells us, always been bad traders. We do not know -what he exported to Ophir, but he brought back gold and silver, mere of luxury, and monkeys and peacocks—not, I apprehend, a profitable consignment.” Examiner : “ Still the country is described as being very prosperous under his government, and the revenue is described as being large.” Lowe : “ Yes, but then only see how it was squandered; there was the temple, the golden throne, and the sea of gold, and the lion and the cherubim and the mercy seat.” Examiner : “ Still that hardly bears out the opinion of the old men.” Lowe ; “ No, sir. There was, besides, the support of 300 wives and 700 concubines. We often see a man ruined by one wife ; surety a thousand women were enough to ruin a whole county-.” Examiner : “ Thank 3-011 , sir. Your 'examination has been very pleasing !” It is needless to say that a hroad smile spread over the faces of all con•cerned during the proceedings above ■narrated. Personally, lam inclined to leave Divinity to its special professors, bnt I am inclined to think that the theological opinions expressed by the youthful politician! would scarcely pass muster with some eminent divines.

Visitors to our town usually have •■something complimentary to say regarding the manner in which it has been laid out —its fine buildings, its clean and spacious streets. We have, they all admit, made splendid progress during the comparatively short period that has elapsed since the incorporation of the borough. But in one particular we are a long way behind other towns. We have no drinking fountains. This matter has often been discussed, without, so far, anything practical being done. What are our civic fathers thinking about ? It may be taken for granted that they are not indifferent to the applause and goodwill of their fellows. There is an easy way to popularity in their case. They have only to ex-ect one or more fountains to secure the gx-atitude, not only of the citizens, but of the many tourists who visit us ■during the summer months. Fountains are much more urgently needed 'than the band rotunda, though far be it from me to say .a word against that handsome structure. But the town will be lacking in one most important respect until it possesses one or more fountains. I am told that in the recent hot spell, and particularly during* holiday time, the Athemeura water supply was all but exhausted by visitors, and that the hotels were in some instances “ raided ” for a

drink —of water. Until w e have a fountain whereat people can quench their thirst without let or hindrance, our lofty tower is little better than a mockery. In this matter our hope lies in" the Council. Perhaps our energetic May-or, Mr Kaeside, will ventilate the question. But where, may I ask, are the Prohibitionists ?

The Highland Society of Hew South Wales is terribly- incensed over the absence of the Governor from their annual gathering. They have evinced their displeasure in various ways, one being the drinking of his health in “solemn silence.” His excellency has survived this blow, hut will doubtless take care not to offend again. One member bad the temerity to suggest that the Governor had not meant to slight the society, hut was silenced with cries of “ That’s all in my eye.” Fancy Highlanders using that expression ! I decline to accept them as the real Mackays. Vox.