FROM THE WATCH TOWER

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 224, 10 December 1927, Page 8

FROM THE WATCH TOWER

By

“THE LOOK-OUT MAN”

A " HOLD UP ” Thousands of passengers on four ferry steamers were held up for fifteen minutes the other evening because a seagoing vessel, swinging to depart from Prince’s Wharf, blocked the ferry basin entrance. Members of the Harbour Board may see in this incident some justification for reconsidering their opinion that no restriction on oversea ships is needed, and that ferry steamers can look after themselves. They may also note that in such circumstances there is just the “possibility” of an accident in which the fate of one or two insignificant ferry passengers may necessitate a coronial inquiry. A MILLION FROM WOOD Close on one million sterling was realised by the three wool sales held in Auckland this year, which is nearly a third more than that obtained at last year’s sales. There has been a tremendous increase in butter production, with higher prices and a record distribution of money for butter-fat. Dairying and wool-grow-ing are both expanding industries; yet there are people who still go about whining of “hard times.” And some of these people ought to know better —they should realise that such talk tightens the money market, restricts investment, retards production and, as a natural sequence, limits employment. Now that Christmas .is approaching, they may be influenced by a more optimistic spirit and decide to enter the new year with that 'confidence which gets things done. THE ROYAL PUDDING It’s a great Christmas pudding the Royal Family will have this year. Stirred by the Earl of Meath and the Commonwealth High Commissioner, handed over by the Lord Mayor to the chef of the Mansion House kitchen, then boiled for 26 hours, it should be specially appetising. But principally the pudding is being belauded because of its Imperial significance in days when “Trade Within the Empire” is the slogan. Only Australian wines and fruits were used in its composition, and this fact has already given a great stimulus to the sale of these products. Australia has a smart High Commissioner. It remains for Sir James Parr to arrange with the Royal Family to use only New Zealand butter on their daily bread, and there will be such a demand for it that the future prosperity of the Dominion will be assured.

DANGEROUS FUN The young man who threw crackers at a policeman’s feet at Takapuna had a good target. He said he thought it was a “bit of fun.” Unfortunately for the young man, the constable had other ideas on the subject of humour —ideas that Involved a prosecution in the Police Court. This incident reminds the D.O.M. that on last New Year’s Eve a lot of fireworks humorists got among the crowd of thousands which assembled in front of the Post Office and the Ferry Buildings to see the Old Year out. They threw bombs, bungbungs and other “crackers” with great glee. It was a miracle that nobody was blinded. As it was a panic was created among the women, and there were crushings and faintings. The screams of the women appeared to dause much joy among the fireworks brigade. It Is a pity that some of these young men were not given something serious to think about. Perhaps the police will keep an eye on them this coming New Year’s Eve. BOXERS AND MARRIAGE Gene Tunney declares he will not marry while he Is in the boxing game; it is a mistake for a boxer to be married, he thinks. Perhaps it hasn’t occurred to him that he might obtain a good wife and a good sparring partner at the same time. Which brings to mind Bill Turner and his two sisters. Turner was a product of Tasmania, a magnificently-built young man, and a great natural fighter. He had two sisters, tall, strapping wenches, who used to spar with him and help him in his training—when he would condescend to train. It was said that there were few men either of these girls could not give a hiding to. Bill was hailed as a coming world’s champion, but his refusal to obey trainers and the manner of his living brought about his downfall. Finally he died of consumption in Hobart. Presumably bis sisters married —they were both likeable girls. If so, it may be imagined that they found no difficulty in keeping their husbands in order,