FROM THE WATCH TOWER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 420, 31 July 1928, Page 8

FROM THE WATCH TOWER

By “THE LOOK-OUT MAN.” STRIKING EXAMPLES “Abhor hypocrisy,” advises an English reformer; “live according to your convictions.” That at least is sound advice. Buckley and Bailer didn’t — and look where they are now! SWEET REVENGE A barber was recently convicted of wilful murder in England. We understand that his last wish, to shave the Crown Prosecutor, was not granted. SNOBBERY “Since he went about biting queens he thinks he is everybody,” as the friends of the asp said after the regrettable Cleopatra affair.” —D. B Wyndham-Lewis. BURGLARS AT RUNCIMAN Burglars entered the post office at Runciman on Sunday night, -but were thwarted in their efforts to force the door of the safe. They eventually decamped with a primus stove only. The police incline to the theory that, having been baulked of their “legitimate” loot, the marauders intend to make it hot for somebody. SHOWING THEIR “METAL” We read in an Australian paper of a Tasmanian tin miner who recently celebrated his golden wedding. The article mentions the silver-haired wife, and concludes by saying that “the alliance has been most happy.” Alliance! It sounds more like an alloy. SHOR T-SIGHTED As a result of King Amanullah’s reednt tour of Europe, a determined effort is to be made to abolish polygamy in Afghanistan. All Government officials with two wives are to be dismissed. It seems a short-sighted policy. A turbulent territory like Afghanistan needs men of determination at the head of its Government departments. If there is anything more likely to develop this quality than the management of a bevy of wives, we have yet to hear of it. * * * ONE FOR PHOTOGRAPHER Press representatives found it difficult to interview Sub-Lieutenant Prince Takamatsu when the Japanese squadron dropped anchor in Sydney Harbour. The prince was on duty, they were told, and would not be free for an hour. Eventually the prince agreed to see them on the quarterdeck. All went well, he standing patiently to be photographed, till a cameraman asked the prince to sit down on a hatch, in order to get a portrait at a better level. A look of annoyance .crossed the Royal face, while 'the Japanese Consul standing nearby looked horrified. “No, you stand on the hatch,” replied the prince.; “the effect will be the same.” * * * FOR AND AGAINST “It has been estimated that it requires the annual production of four rubber trees to provide rubber for one motor-car tyre. This means that every inhabitant of the United States must have at least one rubber tree working for him.” The reasoning is not quite clear. Each pedestrian, we calculate, has four rubber trees working against him.

THE CRASHER ' Once again London is becoming perplexed over the crasher problem. The crasher, or gate-crasher, is the person who arrives at the most exclusive parties uninvited, and crashes past, doorkeepers and footmen into the bevt society. All very well for the crasher, of course, but most annoying for the hostess who has provided for 200 guests, and finds, when her supper has entirely disappeared, that over 300 have been spending the evening at her expense. Australia House gave a dance the other night at which the guest of honour was the Prince of Wales. Officials telephoned each of the invited guests pointing out that they must obtain entree cards owing to the expected activities of the crashers, who crash harder than ever when Royalty is in the offing. Society leaders are very perturbed about this new winter sport, and are taking drastic precautions to prevent its devotees from scoring goals. There are several ways of thwarting crashers. One, of course, is to have stalwart footmen with outsize biceps, who can deal with intruders in caveman fashion. Another is to give your guests a secret password. But the best way of solving the difficulty, perhaps, would be to give two parties—one for crushers, and one for crashers, and thus separate the sheep from the goats. We pass the suggestion on to Mayfair for what it is worth,