FROM THE WATCH TOWER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 466, 22 September 1928, Page 8

FROM THE WATCH TOWER

By “THE LOOK-OUT MAN.” LOOKING UPWARD Many young- New Zealanders are seeking training in flying in order that they may become commercial pilots. We predict that they will rise in their new profession, and suggest as their motto “Alliora Peto.” NONE SINCE The first lightning conductor was invented by a Bohemian monk in 1754. The L.O.M. has travelled extensively on the tramway systems of the Dominion’s four main centres, and is convinced that as far as New Zealand is concerned there has not been another since. ORANGES AND LEMONS A fruit barrow proprietor in Syds ney had a turnover of £16,000 in 1926. In 1927 his takings were reduced by £7,000, the difference being accounted for by increased competition. Apparently the activities of other fruiterers upset his apple cart. LANDLADY’S DELIGHT “Hunger-striking as a means of passive resistance.is becoming popular once more.” The Southern paper that gives us this information gives no clue as to where it is becoming popular. However, we know that will be very favourably viewed by some landladies of our acquaintance. * * * NEW AVIATION PERIL Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and his fellow-airmen will be besieged with requests not to land anywhere on Sundays (the alternative being to keep flying in a circle until the dawn of Monday) if the unnecesasry examples of Christchurch and Wanganui are to be followed. Despite the storm of dissent from broadminded New Zealanders when the Rev. J. K. Archer, Mayor of Christchurch, asked the airmen not to land on Sunday, members of Wanganui’s Anglican clergy have taken up the running. They would be terribly offended if Squadron-Leader Smith smiled his welcome on a church day. Auckland may be more hardened in sin, but we know how to laud airmen who have opened an immensely important air lane. * * * HONI SPIT — The Order of the Garter, to which three new knights—the Earl of Athlone, the Duke of Abercorn, and Lord Desborough—have recently been appointed, is perhaps the highest honour that the King can bestow on any of his subjects. It’s only possible rival is the Order of Merit. At one time no comparison between these two Orders would have been possible—-it is just about a century since a British statesman declared that the thing he liked in the Garter was that there was “no nonsense about merit” connected with it. To-day, however, it is regarded not as the preserve of high rank, but as a reward for distinguished service to the State. The Order is now nearly 600 years old—it dates back to 1348, when Edward 111. was king. It was originally a purely military order. Among its members at present are the Prince of Wales, the Earl of Balfour, Viscount Grey, and Sir Austen Chamberlain.

EXTRAVAGANCE After 21 years, the mace at Fulham (England) is to be regilded. And this in face of the heavy municipal expenditure at Fulham recently, with the result that thrifty ratepayers are up in arms. One has injured the feelings ot those at the head of civic affairs by calling the proposal “pernicious extravagance.” From this, one is led to believe that Fulham’s finances are at a low ebb. Now, what would happen if someone brought forward an original and refreshing suggestion to brighten some of Auckland’s buses with paint? » * * WANTED, A NATIONAL ANTHEM That the United States remains without an officially recognised national anthem is a matter of grave concern to the veterans of foreign wars, who have just been urging Congress to accord that status to “The Star-spangled Banner.” This is not their first attempt of the kind. A motion has been brought before Congress several times, but it has failed to reach report stage owing, it is said, to a general feeling that Franci3 Key’s ballad is too distinctly antiBritish for a national song, and that “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” is better deserving of the honour. Key, a Maryland lawyer, was a prisoner aboard a British battleship during the bombardment of Fort McHenry in September, 1814, and his song, of which the first draft was scribbled on the back of a letter, was inspired by the first glimpse, “at the dawn’s early light,” of the United States flag still flying over the fort. It was sung for the first time to a party of volunteers in a tavern by Ferdinand Durang, a musician, who adapted the words to the old tune of “Anacreon in Heaven.”