FROM THE WATCH TOWER

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 295, 5 March 1928, Page 8

FROM THE WATCH TOWER

By “THE LOOK-OUT MAN.” STRUCK THIRTY It is only to be expected that a clock of sucb staunch conservatism as that in the Public Library tower should resent the legalised juggling with the time that has been necessary under the Summer Time Act. For weeks the old clock dragged its outraged hands in a vain attempt to lose the extra hour which had been so ruthlessly imposed upon it. It gave up hope—until, on Saturday night or early Sunday morning, it was unexpectedly relieved of the burden which had been keeping its mind off its work for four months. The clock considered some sort of celebration essential, and brooded during the small hours of the morning as to what form its rejoicing should take. At nine o’clock, in sheer exuberance of spirits, it struck 30. It kept this up all day, until at last, realising that it had lost or forgotten its dignity, the old timepiece became sulky and refused to strike at all. It has now modified its behaviour somewhat and chimes the quarters, while neglecting to strike the hour. * * * MORE ENTERPRISE Further in accordance with its policy of inducing the people to use its transport facilities, the Railway Department has removed the restriction which limited the privilege of special excursion rates for picnics to one trip a year. Schools, business house staffs, friendly societies, trades and labour unions and other bodies may now avail themselves of these exceptionally low rate trips as often as required at any period of the year. In making this announcement, the department states that there has been a very satisfactory use of the cheap railway facilities recently introduced. Apparently the department, encouraged by patronage, is determined to encourage the growing friendship of the public. In other words, it realises that it is better to carry passengers cheaply than to run empty carriages. The wholesale and varied inducements now afforded for travel on the railways and the special provisions made for the comfort of passengers are being greatly appreciated by the people who own those railways—which means all of us. * * * A CLOSE CORPORATION? Is the medical profession in New Zealand a close corporation? A dissatisfied doctor, writing in the “British Medical Journal,” says that being placed on the register of medical practitioners in this country is a long, irritating and costly process, vastly differing from Australia, where the way is made easy for the qualified man from other British countries, and he is not “treated as a suspected criminal, with the onus of proof on him to clear himself.” The writer also has a tilt at the form which visitors to this country are required to fill in before landing—and which is so objectionable to many of them; but the attack is specifically directed at the method of registering medical men who are newcomers. One qualified man who was granted a temporary certificate, and who had committed hitnself to the purchase of a practice and a residence, was prosecuted for practising without being on the register, and it was not for some months that a permanent registration certificate was issued him. As the local medical profession is behind the legislation which makes it so hard for the newcomer to qualify, it seems that the New Zealand branch of the B.M.A. ought to be asked some questions about it.

A WELCOME CHANGE A welcome change from the dull routine of Parliamentary debate was provided in the Yugoslavian Parliament. Members indulged in a free fight, and the reporters rushed from the Press Gallery to act as referees. It is hoped the New Zealand Parliament will profit by this example and serve out similar entertainment to the bored reporters during the next session. In the last session of a Parliament, members invariably use every available minute to talk to their constituents through “Hansard” and the daily Press. Let them abandon talk for action this coming session and let their constituents see how they can handle themselves (or their opponents) in fisticuffs on the floor of the House. It could be arranged for the “movie” camera to take a record of the battle, which could be screened all over New Zealand, the receipts to go toward paying the election expenses of poor politicians.